Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 19: Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, who is currently receiving positive feedback for his latest release Haunted 3D, has reflected on how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Indian audiences have evolved over the years, creating greater space for filmmakers to experiment with diverse themes.
Speaking to reporters during the film's promotional activities in Mumbai, Bhatt said the early 2000s marked a significant turning point for both Indian society and the entertainment industry.
According to him, several global and domestic developments unfolded simultaneously during that period, including the aftermath of the dot-com bubble burst and the growing impact of India's economic liberalisation policies, which brought increased international influence into the country.
Bhatt said these changes also reshaped the approach of regulatory bodies and audiences towards cinema.
“The CBFC and the government gradually became more mature and open-minded. As long as a film was meant for adult audiences, there was a greater willingness to allow filmmakers to explore different subjects and experiment with storytelling,” he said.
The director cited his 2001 thriller Kasoor as an example, suggesting that the film would likely have faced significant hurdles if it had been made during the 1970s or 1980s.
He explained that the film dealt with themes that were considered bold for earlier generations, including a female character who becomes emotionally involved with a man accused of murdering his wife and later struggles with feelings of guilt.
Bhatt said changing social attitudes have enabled audiences to engage with such stories without immediately judging the characters involved.
“The audience ultimately determines the kind of films that get made. As viewers become more mature and accepting, filmmakers gain the confidence to tell more varied and meaningful stories,” he added.
Meanwhile, Haunted 3D features Mimoh Chakraborty, Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey in prominent roles.
The film promises an enhanced viewing experience through upgraded 3D technology designed to make the horror elements more immersive and visually impactful.
Haunted 3D is currently running in cinemas across the country.