Central Government Begins Inquiry After Bribe Allegations By Actor Vishal Against Mumbai Censor Office

The union information and broadcasting ministry today said that it has deputed a senior official to conduct an inquiry on the corruption allegations made by Tamil actor-producer Vishal against the Central Board of Film Certification or CBFC office in Mumbai.

In a social media video released by the actor yesterday, he alleged that he had to pay Rs 6.5 lakhs to certain officials from the censor’s office in Mumbai for getting the clearance certification for his movie Mark Antony’s Hindi version.

“Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can’t digest, especially in government offices. And even worse happening in CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lakhs for my film Mark Antony Hindi version,” the action hero wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He also alleged that he made two transactions; Rs 3 Lakhs for screening and Rs 3.5 Lakhs for censor’s certificate.

“Never faced this situation ever in my career. I had no option but to pay the concerned mediator Menaga, because too much at stake since movie released today,” he added.

In the video he requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other higher officials concerned to look into the matter.

On the X post, Vishal wrote that Rs 3 Lakhs was sent to an M Rajan who holds an account in the Sion branch of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd, and a Rs 3.5 Lakhs was sent to a Jeeja Ramdas who has a bank account in the Andheri East branch of Kotak Mahendra Bank.

Responding to Vishal’s allegations, the ministry said the issue of corruption in CBFC brought up by actor Vishal “is extremely unfortunate” and said the government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved.

“A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself. We request everyone to cooperate with the Ministry, by providing information about any other instance of harassment by CBFC at jsfilms.inb@nic.in,” the ministry said.