Had to pay a bribe of ₹6.5 lakhs for the certification of the Hindi version of my film : Vishal, Tamil actor

Tamil actor Vishal’s allegation against the Central Board of Film Certification

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – Tamil Nadu actor Vishal has accused Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) officials in Mumbai of accepting a bribe of ₹6.5 lakhs to certify the Hindi version of his film. Vishal’s Tamil language film ‘Mark Antony’ was released on 15th September. Allegations of bribery being involved in certifying the Hindi version of this film are being made. Vishal has made the allegations by posting a video on social media. He also claimed that ‘I had no other option but to pay the bribe as a lot was at stake for this film’.

Vishal went on to say that it is acceptable to show corruption in films, but in real life, it cannot be digested. Worse is happening especially in Government offices and the Mumbai office of the CBFC. I had to pay ₹6.5 lakhs in 2 separate transactions for the Hindi version of my film ‘Mark Antony’, in which, ₹3 lakhs was meant for the premier of the film and ₹3.5 lakhs for its certificate.

Vishal has also given details about bribery in the video. He has also appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action in this regard.

Editorial Perspectives

  • The government should investigate these allegations and bring out the truth to the public !
  • Films denigrating Hindu Deities are certified by this Board and when Hindus oppose it, it is not even noted. The question now arises whether such films are also certified after taking bribes.