“I don’t know the rationale behind this step, but it most certainly concerns film producers,” says Sharmila Tagore on the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT). Tagore, who was chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), from 2004 to 2011 had worked towards expanding and enhancing the functions of the FCAT and the values it stood for. Its sudden abolition has left many members of the film fraternity, including Tagore, disappointed.

“FCAT was another source to moderate the CBFC’s point of view,” she says, adding, “When I joined CBFC, there was already an FCAT. It was a body where, if producers had a difference of opinion with CBFC and were not happy with cuts or A-certificates, they could go to. Sometimes, FCAT went against us and at others they upheld our views. So, FCAT had the final say.”

Tagore emphasises she would have never abolished it. “During my tenure, I wanted to expand its mandate by referring to it all PILs initiated against films across the country. The only film we couldn’t go to FCAT with was Black Friday, as the Bombay blast was then subjudice.”

So, how will this move affect the film industry? “It will be a hassle for a producer to go to court as it is expensive and leads to a lot of delay. Even if they (film producers) come together and appeal to the government, they can work it out. Problem is that no one wants to come together,” Tagore rues.