Censorship on films meaningless in internet era: Director Sudhir Mishra

Bhopal: "Censorship on films is futile in India. There are several other media these days which provide inappropriate content to youngsters for free," said Bollywood director Sudhir Mishra, who is known for directing critically acclaimed films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Dharavi and Chameli.
Mishra was in city on Sunday to launch a book by a city-based author Sheela Mishra at Hindi Bhawan.
"Censorship on movies is baseless and has lost its meaning of late. In the era of free flow of information, you cannot restrict anything by defining it in few words. Now, even the deleted and restricted content and materials remain only a click away from youngsters. Censor Board can do little, and is there only to provide certification," said the famous director and screenwriter of Bollywood.
"If there has to be a medium under scanner, it should be internet, whose coverage area goes beyond countries' borders. Even a person in remote village can now download on his mobile whatever he or she wants at any time of the day. Effect of censorship starts waning within a few days with the cut scenes going viral on web," added three times national award winner Mishra.
Over his Bhopal connection and potential of Madhya Pradesh to develop as the next shooting hub for Bollywood directors, he said, "There should be a single window-clearance for directors willing to shoot here. Cities in Madhya Pradesh have some great locations, which directors die for. Ease to get the approvals for movies will encourage directors to shoot in the state blessed with natural beauty, rich heritage and forests. State government, though, has been doing a lot in this direction."
"I have been coming to Bhopal since my youth days. The place has had a lot of influence on my creativity. Some of my films, including Hazaron Khwaishien Aisi were also shot at few locations in Bhopal," he added.
Sudhir Mishra, who is the grandson of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister late Dwaraka Prasad Mishra, has spent a part of his childhood in Sagar district, about 168 kilometres from Bhopal, where his father was a professor.
Swanand Kirkire, lyricist, playback singer, writer, assistant director and dialogue writer, who hails basically from Indore also joined Mishra for the book release.
"Madhya Pradesh has some wonderful locations for Bollywood directors. I am also planning to shoot my next film here," he said.
Kirkire's favourite location in Madhya Pradesh is Mandu. He has been conferred with national awards twice and has written and sung for movies like Masaan, 3 idiots, Parineeta, Chameli and others.