Shaista Fatima/ New Delhi

Amidst the ongoing row on the Besharam song of the Pathan movie, has come a statement by Prasoon Joshi, chairman, of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to censor the movie.

He said, "The film went through a thorough examining process as per the CBFC guidelines, & makers have been asked to implement changes in the film, including the songs"  

He went on to add that it's important to find the right balance between creative expression & sensibility of the audience.

He reiterated "our culture & faith is glorious & nuanced. And we have to be careful that it does not get defined by trivia, which takes the focus away from the real"

Dear @prasoonjoshi_ sir, when heroines with saffron short outfits danced with Akshay, Salman & South Indian & other regional actors, why didn't any steps take place then?

Why is @iamsrk the soft target all the time? Why such hypocrisy?#SRK #Pathaan #BesharamRang #cbfc pic.twitter.com/qrpNwlZsmf

— мя.ρяαтz💫 (@i_Prathit) December 29, 2022

The director-producer is facing backlash from Twitterati.

We'll have a sanitised version now !

All are films going to be censored this way? Stalking, toxic masculinity, rape culture, gory violence... Will everything be stopped now? Or was this just an attempt to pacify the 'hurt sentiments'?

— Katyusha (@Indian10000000) December 29, 2022

Joshi who is known for giving films like Rang De Basanti, Manikarnika, and Margherita with a Straw is being slammed by Twitterati as being biased towards Shahrukh Khan.

Agar Hinduism ya Kisi aur Religion ko Disrespect Kiya hota Song ya Film me to vo Scene Cut Krna Samajh aata hai But Sirf Ek Color ko leke Aise Religion Game Khelna is Not at All Good. SRK has Always Promoted Hinduism through his Films. pic.twitter.com/8Vyw01X4Xl

— K (@iamkr20) December 29, 2022