Tamil Actor-Producer Vishal Makes Corruption Charge Against Censor Board; Govt Reacts Sharply

New Delhi: Tamil actor-producer Vishal has accused the Mumbai office of the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) of demanding a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakh for the Hindi censor rights of his latest release, ‘Mark Antony’. In his video note, he called for help from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and PM Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has now responded to Vishal’s corruption allegations through an official statement on X (formerly Twitter).

#Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Cant digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #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… pic.twitter.com/3pc2RzKF6l

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) September 28, 2023

The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate.

The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved. A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting…

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 29, 2023

Reacting quickly, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), has issued an official statement saying that ‘strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved’ and that an inquiry will take place into the matter today (September 29).

“The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate. The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved. A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself (sic).”

Further adding, “We request everyone to cooperate with the Ministry, by providing information about any other instance of harassment by CBFC at jsfilms.inb@nic.in @producers_guild @motionpictures (sic).”

Mark Antony, starring Vishal and SJ Suryah received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, and continues to perform well at the box office. In light of the film’s success, the producers were considering releasing a Hindi-dubbed version.

That’s when actor-producer Vishal made a shocking claim in the video, accusing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Mumbai of demanding a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakh for the Hindi version of the film.

Taking to X, he explained the issue via a video message and also wrote a note.