The Central Board of Film Certificate has cancelled its controversial decision of banning cuss words and phrases from films. In a circular sent out to CBFC regional offices two weeks ago, the new chairman of the censor, Pahlaj Nihalani had listed words and phrases that he felt were “objectionable and abusive,”needed to be deleted from films and banning them from using further in films. Although there is no official announcement in this regards, highly placed sources say that CBFC has withdrawn this circular.

However, we hear that the other board members are not happy with Nihalani taking a unilateral decision with consulting the members. The censor board's first meeting was a heated and many members opined that it is against the freedom and creative liberty of a filmmaker. Some say that Information and Broadcasting ministry is also not happy with the controversies surrounding the censor board and the ministry should approve the decision made by the censor board and we hear that the ministry may not do so.

The ban of cuss words evoked strong reaction from film fraternity. Many Bollywood filmmakers have openly slammed the Censor board.

- TVR