Cinema

Watch: "Had no option but to pay"...Vishal exposes corruption in film censor board

By TNSCorrespondent, 29 September, 2023
Vishal, SJ Suryah, Mark Antony, CBFC

(This article is authored by Alar)

Actor Vishal exposes the dark side of the film censor board,  reveals he paid a hefty bribe to release his film ‘Mark Antony’ Actor Vishal, who is known for his action-packed roles in Tamil cinema, has recently made a shocking revelation about the corruption in the film censor board.

The actor claimed that he had to pay a whopping Rs 6.5 lakh to a mediator named Menaga to release his film ‘Mark Antony’ in Hindi. The film, which is a science fiction time travel drama, was directed by Adhik Ravichandran and starred Vishal and SJ Suryah in the lead roles.

Vishal took to X, to share his ordeal with the public. He posted a video with a statement, detailing the transactions he made to the mediator. He also tagged the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Prime Minister of India, seeking their intervention in this matter. He said that he was doing this not for himself, but for future producers who might face the same situation. He also shared the evidence of the payments he made, along with the account numbers and IFSC codes of the recipients.

Vishal’s post read, “#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 certificate. Never faced this situation ever in my career,

He added, "Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard earned money gone for corruption ??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear,"

He also mentioned the persons he made the transactions, "Hope truth prevails as always. Rs 3 Lakhs sent to - M. RAJAN AC No. 168100050300500 Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd Sion Branch IFSC CODE - TMBL0000168 & Rs 3.5 Lakhs sent to - JEEJA RAMDAS AC No. 7712615683 Kotak Mahendra Bank Andheri East Branch IFSC CODE - KKBK0000651.” he wrote.

The actor’s tweet has gone viral on social media, with many fans and celebrities expressing their support and outrage over the issue. Some of them have also demanded a thorough investigation and action against the culprits. The film censor board, which is supposed to certify the films for public exhibition, has been accused of being biased, arbitrary and corrupt in the past. 

Vishal has been vocal about the problems faced by the film industry. He has also taken initiatives to curb piracy and promote transparency in the film business. His film ‘Mark Antony’, which was released on September 15, 2023, has received mixed reviews from the critics and the audience.

 

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