New Delhi:
Finding it impractical to implement the strict conditions on showing smoking scenes in films, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has reportedly asked the other concerned ministries to take a relook at the issue.
The Health Ministry had on November 11 issued a notification imposing stricter conditions on films and TV programmes to carry ample warning for the viewers on the health consequences. The notification was then sent to the Law Ministry for its opinion.
Sources said the I&B Ministry has sought to impress upon both the Ministries the practical difficulties in implementing the move while asking them to look into the issue afresh.
One of the difficulties cited was how the decision could be implemented in foreign films.
As per the amended rules, not only would a filmmaker be mandated to offer a strong editorial justification to the Censor Board about why he needs to display a cigarette or any other tobacco product, the actor displaying such a product would have to issue a disclaimer about its ill effects.
Further, to restrict the blatant display of tobacco brands in old films and TV programmes, these rules make it mandatory to crop and mask display of brands of cigarettes or any other tobacco product close ups. For new films and TV programme scenes carrying such products would have to be edited and blurred by the producer prior to screening.
The sources in the I&B Ministry said the view of some producers was that carrying such disclaimer could affect the market of Indian films internationally.
When contacted, CEO of Central Board of Film Certification Pankaja Thakur said they have not taken a pro or anti-smoking stand. "We are waiting for instructions from I&B Ministry," she said.