Shut down Censor Board: Prakash Jha

“We do not need the censor board. It should be shut down. I am not talking about any ideology but five people should not be given the power to see that what society should watch or not watch,” said noted filmmaker and 10 times National Award winner Prakash Jha, while taking part in a promotional event of his upcoming film ‘Jai Gangajal’ in city on Monday.

“Everything is available these days and one can’t stop anyone from watching anything. Censor board is not needed. If a pornographic film is screened in a theatre the people who want to watch they will see it. Families will not watch it, girls will not go. The people who want to go will anyway go, so let them go,” he added.

The ace director was accompanied by actor Manav Kaul at the event. Talking about the movie, he said, “‘Jai Gangaajal’ can’t be called a sequel to my 2003 film “Gangaajal” as it unfolds a new chapter on the big screen about society-police relationship, with actress Priyanka Chopra facing new challenges.

The Priyanka Chopra-starrer throws light on the dilemma of the police that has been frozen into inaction and how if the police force works with a clear conscience and determination, even the most powerful rogues can be brought to justice. This film also marks the debut of Prakash Jha as an actor. In his career spanning 40 years has never acted in a film.

“I thought it will be nice to do the character myself instead of transferring information to someone else,” director-turned-actor said. Speaking about Priyanka Chopra the director said, “She is an amazing actor, she gets well into the character. You have seen what kind of work she has been doing.

Priyanka has become an international star now. Her focus and grasping power is amazing. Her role as an IPS officer in the film is also very convincing. It was easy for her to prepare for the role.”

Prakash Jha added that Priyanka and he were in talks from four to five years to work together. “She always used to say that you have worked with Deepika, Kareena and Katrina, when will you work with me? When a role befitted her personality, I approached her and told that her that you do not have time.

How will you do the role? Then she said that she will take time out for the film and she will do the role and while shooting for ‘Quantico’ she took out time for ‘Jai Gangaajal’ and we planned according to it and it worked out,” he shared.

Manav Kaul of ‘Kai Po Che’ fame who is donning the role of the antagonist Babloo Pandey said, “I always say that ‘Kai Po Che’ was my first film. Before that, I have done many films but I choose to filter them. I have genuinely seen a drastic change in the industry. The types of film the industry is churning out now gives importance to performance, story, and script.

I also wanted to part of this kind of industry so when I was offered ‘Kai Po Che’, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. ‘Jai Gangaajal’ is my fourth film and I am playing the role of Babloo Pandey and I can say that this is the most satisfying role of my career till date.

This is a very well-written role. People die to do a film with Prakash Jha and I realised why every actor wants to work with him while shooting for ‘Jai Gangaajal.” ‘Jai Gangajal’ is slated to release on March 4.