New Delhi: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on Friday promised strictest action against anyone, if found guilty in Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly extorting money from actor Vishal for his film’s Hindi version release.
The Ministry said that it maintains zero tolerance in all corruption matters and informed that allegations by South Indian actor are under investigation. It said that a senior officer from the Ministry has been deputed to Mumbai CBFC office who will investigate a detailed enquiry into the charges leveled by actor.
“The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by the actor is extremely unfortunate”, said the I&B Ministry in an official statement.
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
The Ministry’s statement comes a day after explosive corruption charges against Mumbai CBFC by the South Indian actor Vishal. The Tamil actor-producer issued a video statement on Friday and said that he was forced to pay a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakh for the censor rights of release of ‘Mark Antony’ Hindi version.
Sharing details of the money, he said that he paid the ‘corrupt’ CBFC in 2 installments – first for screening of the film & then for getting censor rights for the movie.
“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”, actor Vishal posted on his ‘X’ timeline.
The slew of allegations by actor created big furore on the social media, with moviebuffs saluting his brave move and also demanding action against briber-seekers.
#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
In the video, the actor also made an appeal to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde & PM Narendra Modi and sought their intervention.