In a recent interview, former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, infamous for his controversial tenure from 2015 to 2017, revisited the Udta Punjab censorship row. He also took a jab at actor Vivek Oberoi for a past remark about being relieved to work in OTT shows and no longer having to “deal with him.”
Nihalani now claims that during the 2016 controversy, while he had indeed demanded cuts to Udta Punjab, the film’s co-producers were ready to comply. He alleges that it was producer Anurag Kashyap who stalled the release until just six days before its premiere, using the censorship drama as a marketing strategy to generate buzz.
During the interview, Nihalani was reminded of a statement Vivek Oberoi made in 2017. Back then, Oberoi had expressed relief that his move to digital platforms meant he no longer had to face censorship from the former CBFC chief. The comment came while Oberoi was promoting Inside Edge, Prime Video’s first Indian original series.
This is what Nihalani replied, “Whenever Vivek Oberoi meets me, he greets me very warmly. Now, if he has to say something… is he even getting any films anymore? Or making any OTT films? If he likes vulgarity, he should do it in his personal life. Why do it in films?”
This whole mess shows how much power the CBFC has lost over the years, or maybe ever since OTT took off in India. Once, the board had the final word on what audiences could watch, but now streaming platforms have created a separate space where stories are told without those restrictions.
Everyone remembers the chaos before Udta Punjab hit theatres. Just a year later, Prime Video launched Inside Edge, a show that went all-in with profanity, adult themes, and morally grey characters. And it didn’t need the CBFC’s approval. That freedom showed what OTT could really do.
At the core of this clash between OTT and the old guard is one word: vulgarity. For people like Nihalani, vulgarity means cuss words, bikini scenes, violence, or anything that might “corrupt” morals.
But OTT has changed how people look at it. What some call vulgar, others see as real and necessary for the story. A cuss word isn’t just swearing, it’s anger or frustration. A mature scene isn’t just for shock, it’s part of how relationships work. By letting creators include these things, streaming has made space for more layered and believable stories.
And the audience? They’re all in. People love watching shows that are raw, messy, and real, even if they’re full of profanity. The CBFC needs to understand that mature content doesn’t ruin morals; it just makes stories more relatable.
OTT platforms aren’t scared of showing this side of storytelling, and filmmakers today don’t shy away from releasing films with an “A” certificate, no matter how gritty or bold they are.
So yes, Nihalani’s comments may be controversial, but they highlight one thing: the CBFC doesn’t hold the same power anymore. Today, the audience decides what works and what doesn’t. It’s no longer about keeping things “clean”; it’s about whether the story connects with viewers who want life as it is, with all its flaws and messiness. Stay tuned for more updates.
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