Was CBFC CEO Ravinder Bhakar fired over Animal?

Speculation has arisen that Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal was the reason the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) CEO Ravinder Bhakar was dismissed from the role.

After his removal, Smita Vats Sharma was announced as the new CEO.

The decision to remove Mr Bhakar shocked colleagues but one source claimed that Animal was the reason for his dismissal.

The source said: “Questions are being raised as to how a film so steeped in violence and abuse and so unapologetically misogynistic could be allowed a censor certificate.

“Animal breaks many guidelines of censorship.

“Giving an A certificate and not cutting those objectionable scenes of violence, especially against women, is now raging a controversy in the nation and within the I&B ministry.”

Animal has divided audiences, with praise for the acting performances and criticism for its depiction of toxic masculinity and misogyny.

One particular scene featured Ranbir asking Triptii Dimri to “lick his shoes” to prove her love for him.

In response, Triptii said: “Never judge your character. The characters you are playing, and the character your co-actor is playing, all are human and humans have good and bad sides.

“An actor must be prepared to play characters across the spectrum of good, bad and ugly, but if you judge a character’s motivations and thoughts, you won’t be able to play it honestly.

“So, that’s what I kept in my mind.”

Bobby Deol also detailed the film’s controversial depictions.

He said: “I’m an actor who’s looking for different characters; we are entertainers and we don’t promote any kind of such things.

“I’m a part of a story that’s a reflection of what’s happening in the society.

“You can’t make up all these things, they exist in our society, every film is a reflection of something that’s happening around.”

Ravinder Bhakar previously faced controversy when Tamil actor Vishal claimed he was scammed by the Central Board of Film Certification.

The Hindi version of his film Mark Antony was released in North India on September 28, 2023.

Vishal claimed he had to pay Rs. 6.5 Lakh (£6,100) to a mediator to get a censor certificate for the dubbed version.

Vishal shared a video and explained that he had to make two transactions to get the screening and certificate.

He also urged Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against the culprits.