The Telugu film industry is facing uncertainty over censor certification process, with filmmakers reportedly encountering unexpected objections just days before their scheduled releases.
Allari Naresh’s Rambha Urvasi Menaka is the latest film to face a censor hurdle and could reportedly miss its September 3 release date. According to industry sources, the film could not obtain certification as expected, with the Board reportedly raising objections to the costumes worn by characters named Ramba, Oorvasi and Menaka.
“The censor authorities reportedly suggested that the characters should be presented in more traditional sarees instead of revealing outfits. The makers are trying to resolve the issue, but if it is not sorted out soon, they may have no option but to approach the Revising Committee,” says a source.
This is not the only recent instance of a Telugu film facing unexpected censor-related complications. Mythri Movie Makers and Prashanth Neel’s The 418 was originally planned for a July release but has since been postponed indefinitely. The film has reportedly approached the Revising Committee after the censor authorities raised objections over the extent of horror in the movie.
“There is a certain irony in raising excessive-horror objections against a film that is designed as a horror movie. The makers have already approached the Revising Committee and are waiting for a resolution,” the source adds.
The team behind Korean Kanakaraju also reportedly faced objections, with Board members expressing concerns that certain portions of the film could potentially affect India-Korea relations. The makers are said to have spent considerable time explaining the context and convincing the authorities.
Another recurring issue is last-minute changes to film titles. Several small and medium-budget films have reportedly been asked to alter their titles during the certification process. Such changes can seriously affect promotional campaigns, particularly when posters, trailers, social media creatives and other publicity material have already been prepared around the original title.
“Making a film has become increasingly difficult because there is so much uncertainty right until the release. Producers spend huge amounts on promotions and bookings based on a particular release date. If certification issues force a postponement at the last minute, all that expenditure can go to waste. For small and medium-budget films, the impact can be particularly severe,” the source concludes.
