CBI To Investigate Actor Vishal's Bribery Allegations Against Censor Board, Files Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against three private persons and several unknown people, including CBFC officials, in connection with actor Vishal's allegation

Vishal had earlier called out the Central Board of Film Certification in India (CBFC) as he accused them of asking for a bribe to grant the certificate for the Hindi release of his film ‘Mark Antony’. 

Source : X/@VishalKOfficial

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against three private persons and several unknown people, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) officials, in connection with actor Vishal's allegation that he had to pay a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakh to get a censor certificate for his film Mark Antony. 

“It was alleged that during the month of September, 2023, a private person entered a conspiracy with others to obtain a bribe of Rs.7,00,000/- & to get the required censor certificate from CBFC, Mumbai for a movie dubbed in Hindi. It was further alleged that in furtherance of the said conspiracy, she initially demanded bribe on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials amounting to Rs.7,00,000/- from the Complainant and subsequently after negotiation, she allegedly accepted Rs.6,54,000/- as bribe on behalf of CBFC Mumbai officials in two bank accounts of other two accused," CBI said in a statement. 

Vishal, who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, had earlier called out the Central Board of Film Certification in India (CBFC) as he accused them of asking for a bribe to grant the certificate for the Hindi release of his film ‘Mark Antony’. 

The ‘Thaamirabharani’ actor-director took to his X handle and wrote: “#Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can't digest. Especially in government 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".

 

#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… pic.twitter.com/3pc2RzKF6l

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) September 28, 2023

He added: “Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much was at stake since the 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. Hope truth prevails as always. GB (sic)".

His post was accompanied by a video in which the actor said: “Namaskar, my name is Vishal and my film ‘Mark Antony’ has just hit North India today. But I’m not here to talk about my film although the issue is directly connected to it, hence I had to mention it. There is a huge scam going on in the CBFC where they asked me for Rs. 6.5 lakh in total to issue the certificate for its North Indian release".

He went on to say, "This is very sad news, something that should not have happened and I appeal to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take swift action against this. This is a lot of money, and it is my hard earned money. I had to give this sum because I had no choice, but I give my sincerest appeal to the higher authorities to take immediate action because this cannot be tolerated".

Detailing the whole thing that transpired, the ‘Laththi’ actor mentioned the name of the person who asked him for the money to give him the green light, saying that Rs 3 lakh was for screening and Rs 3.5 for issuing the certificate.

The actor said, "My Prime Minister has always stood against corruption and I appeal to him to take this matter very seriously. If this could happen to me and then I am sure this is happening to others as well. Please put a whole enquiry against the corruption going on in the Central Board of Film Certification.”

Concluding his statement, he said, “I thank you sincerely sir. Vande Mataram, Jai Hind.”

'Mark Anthony' was released on September 15.