Actor John Abraham recently expressed his views on censorship and the difficulties it creates for filmmakers. In an exclusive conversation with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, the 52-year-old discussed the obstacles he faced in securing approval for his film, Tehran, to be publicly screened, emphasizing the challenges filmmakers deal with in balancing political sensitivities and maintaining their creative integrity.
John Abraham opens up on choosing integrity over commercial success; says, “I can’t make adult comedies, it’s difficult for me to produce or act in them”
John Abraham thanked the Ministry of External Affairs for permitting the screening of Tehran saying, “I don’t think this film (Tehran) would have passed to be shown in theatres, to be very honest. I’m grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs.” His remarks shed light on the bureaucratic procedures that can impact a film’s release.
When the consulting editor inquired if he would rather have no censor board or just minimal censorship, the actor stressed the importance of censorship but questioned how it is currently enforced. He remarked, “I think you need censorship, but the way it’s being overseen, you know, could be a big question mark,” indicating the need for a balance between creative freedom and regulatory control.
He further stated, “Till now, they’ve been good and kind with us, and I’ve been responsible with the way I’ve made and spoken in my films. For the record, I’m not right-wing, I’m not left-wing – I’m apolitical, but politically aware. And it’s important for me to make an honest statement.”
Expanding on the rise of politically charged films, Abraham commented, “What worries me is when right-wing films find a huge audience. That’s when you ask yourself, as a filmmaker, what line am I going to tow – Am I going to take the commercial route to make more money, or stay true to what I want to say? I’ve chosen the latter. In Tehran, this is not a patriotic film, it’s set in 2012 – but it shows India as it was. My trailer even says it: ‘India has deserted me.’”
When questioned about whether the actor from The Diplomat would ever pursue the commercial route by making a right-wing-themed film, he responded, “When films are made with the intent to sway people in a hyper-political atmosphere – and they find an audience – that’s scary.”
He went on to say, “I’ve never been tempted, and I’m never going to make those kinds of films. Just like I can’t make adult comedies, it’s difficult for me to produce or act in them. It’s a choice.”
Reflecting on his experiences with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), John Abraham admitted, “We’ve been pulled up a number of times, but there are people in the censor board who do listen. It’s important to find the right voice and the right audience there to get your point across, and I believe that if they see sense in what you’re doing, you’ll get through.”
In conclusion, Abraham acknowledged the risks involved in his work. “I know what I’m getting into with my eyes open. Even with Tehran, I was fully aware of the risks. In management, there’s a saying: the higher the risk, the greater the profit.” He believes that embracing risks is crucial for having a voice and making meaningful statements through cinema.
Tehran, directed by Arun Gopalan, is set to start streaming on ZEE5 from August 14.
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