Prasoon Joshi calls for an emergency meeting in the light of Vishal’s corruption allegations against the censor board of India.
Days after Vishal levelled corruption allegations against CBFC, Prasoon Joshi has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the issues.
Actor Vishal whose most recent film Mark Antony has received great reviews from the critics, had recently made shocking allegations against the film certification body, claiming that he has been scammed. The actor alleged that although the film saw a pan-India release in the North, he had to shell out Rs 6.5 Lakhs to the CBFC officials, in order to get the certification. Now in lieu of that, the I&B ministry has taken cognizance of these allegations. Prasoon Joshi, chief of CBFC has summoned an emergency meeting on October 3, Tuesday.
As per several reports, all the regional officers of the censor board will be gracing this meeting to discuss and mollify the issues addressed by Vishal in his video. Additionally, the film production company and Information & Broadcasting Ministry has demanded an official CBI inquiry against the officials involved to reach the depth of the matter. As per a source close to Lokmat Times, due to the corruption charges levied by Vishal, CBFC have yet to clear upcoming Hindi and regional movies. Thus, film-makers might be delaying their release date in light of that.
Vishal took to his social media handles on Thursday and released a video, where he alleged that CBFC is corrupt. He wrote,
“Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can’t digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in the #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate. Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today.”
He added, “Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard earned money gone for corruption? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always.”
In the meantime, Vishal and SJ Suryah starrer Mark Antony has emerged as a success at the box office. The film also featured Ritu Varma, Sunil, Selvaraghavan and Abhinaya.
