John Abraham and Sharvari’s star-studded film ‘Vedaa’ is set to hit theaters on August 15. However, the movie gained attention when the makers revealed they had not yet received a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), despite having applied for it well in advance.
The CBFC’s Examining Committee (EC) watched the film at the end of June and forwarded it to the Revising Committee (RC). After discussions with the producers, the RC finally viewed the film on July 29 and decided to grant it approval.
Multiple Changes Approved for ‘Vedaa’
Firstly, the makers were asked to include a 1-minute and 16-second revised disclaimer and voiceover in the film. Dialogues containing offensive references towards women and social identity were to be modified. A 2-minute and 16-second execution scene was removed. The word ‘Jodhpur’ was muted when referring to the Jodhpur High Court, and violence within the court premises was reduced by 30%. These changes resulted in 6 minutes and 15 seconds being cut from the film.
Additionally, a character was shown listening to an audio track with Sanskrit shlokas on a mobile phone, which was removed by the CBFC. The abusive word ‘bahankhor’ was replaced with ‘bana’. The CBFC also requested the makers blur scenes showing currency notes being torn and their pieces. Furthermore, a reference to ‘Brahmin son… son of a Shudra’ was removed.
The producers provided authentic references, such as newspaper articles, court decisions, and religious texts, to indicate that the film was inspired by true events.
Overall, the CBFC cut 9 minutes and 14 seconds from the film. After the changes were made, ‘Vedaa’ received a U/A certificate on August 6. The certificate states the film’s length is 150 minutes, which means ‘Vedaa’ runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film will be released in theaters on August 15.
According to sources, “The RC’s presiding officer, Padma Shri Ramesh Patange, is known for approving films that the EC objects to. Recently, he approved the controversial film ‘Hamare Barah,’ so it’s no surprise that he approved ‘Vedaa’ for theatrical release with some modifications.”