Actor Vishal of “Mark Antony” Receives Support From I&B Ministry; CBFC Corruption Case Investigation Has Begun

The I&B Ministry and the film industry have backed Tamil actor Vishal, who claims that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded Rs 6.5 lakh from him in exchange for approval of the Hindi version of his movie Mark Antony. On Friday, the national Information and Broadcasting Ministry made the announcement that an investigation into the allegations made by Tamil actor Vishal had been opened. On X (formerly known as Twitter), the ministry’s official account posted: “The actor @VishalKOfficial brought up the topic of corruption in CBFC, which is exceedingly bad. The government would take the harshest measures against anybody discovered to be engaged in corruption.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has sent a top official to Mumbai to start an investigation right now. We want everyone to help the Ministry by contacting [email protected] with any more information on harassment by CBFC.

Ashoke Pandit, a CBFC member, asked that the CBI conduct an investigation. He said on a news outlet, “We are submitting a letter to Prasoon Joshi and asking a CBI enquiry on these claims on behalf of IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association). Whoever the money was handed to has to be examined since the individuals who stole it are not CBFC employees.

Vishal had claimed that the money was split into two parts since screening cost Rs 3 lakh and certification cost Rs 3.5 lakh. The Tamil actor-director has made a sharply worded statement in which he has voiced his concern. He urged the Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take swift action against the ongoing corruption crisis. “It’s okay for corruption to be shown on film. But in actuality, no. unable to digest. particularly in governmental buildings. Even worse is taking on at the CBFC Mumbai headquarters. I had to spend 6.5 lacs for the Hindi version of my film, Mark Antony. two exchanges. 3.5 lakhs for the certificate and 3 lakhs for the screening. Never in my career have I encountered this circumstance.

He said, “Had no choice but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga because the movie premiered today since there was too much at risk. Bringing this to the attention of my Honorable PM Narendra Modi and the Hon. Maharashtra Chief Minister. Not for myself, but for upcoming producers, I’m doing this. NOT TAKING PLACE. Has my hard-earned money been used to fund corruption? No way. Evidence presented for public hearing. I hope the truth wins out as always. GB (sic)”.