Pahlaj Nihalani's Battle With CBFC Ends! Govinda's Rangeela Raja To Finally Release On January 11

Pahlaj Nihalani's production venture Rangeela Raja was scheduled to hit theatres on November 16 but due to some cuts suggested by the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), the film was delayed as the edits were not acceptable by Nihalani. Pahlaj along with Govinda and the others associated with the film organised a press conference where they spoke about the numerous illogical cuts given to their film by the CBFC. Pahlaj refused to release the film with the cuts and went ahead to appeal to the Tribunal (FCAT).

And now, the latest update is that after almost a month-long battle, the film is finally going to hit theatres on January 11 with the 3 cuts suggested by the Tribunal - one verbal and two visual. Talking about the victory to DNA, Pahlaj has said, "Having been the Chairperson of the CBFC, I know the rules and followed them while making the film. But the Board was being unreasonable with my movie and sabotaged it with their delaying tactics. The CBFC is hell-bent on proving that Rangeela Raja disrespects women and glorifies violence against them. I respect the FCAT as they viewed my film and gave their ruling without any bias."

During his fight with the Censor Board, Pahlaj had spoken to SpotboyE.com a couple of times about his anger and discontent with the CBFC’s approach towards his film. He had told us, "Words like F**k and Sc** find their way into U/A films, why can't I be given the lineTu Mujhe Aisa Swadisht Khana Khila Chuki Hai?  I really want to know which is more distasteful. Also, can anyone explain to me how Stree, which discussed masturbation, got a U/A?" Argue with him that the objection must have stemmed from the fact that the line stems in the film soon after a rape. Pahlaj shoots back,"I haven't shown any rape act. Whatever is shown is only symbolic." Pahlaj had added, "I am aware of the Censor Board guidelines. I was the Chairman before Prasoon Joshi, wasn't I? If the rape act has not been shown, this particular dialogue cannot be scissored. And pray. tell me, why should I change my storyline?"

Meanwhile, the makers have now released a new poster of the film along with the new release date a little while ago. Trade Expert Taran Adarsh took to social media to share it and he wrote, "#RangeelaRaja gets censor clearance, finally... UA certificate... Run time: 162 min 30 sec [2 hours, 42 minutes, 30 seconds]... Pahlaj Nihalani announces release date: 11 Jan 2019 (sic)."

The film will clash at the box-office with many other releases on January 11 like Vicky Kaushal's URI, Radhika Apte's Bombairiya, the horror film Amavas.



Image Source: twitter/taranadarsh