12 Years Later, The Director Reveals How He Managed To Convince The Censor Board To Keep Some Cuss Words In The Cult Classic
During the recent fan screening to honour 12 years of Raanjhanaa, director Aanand L Rai took audiences on a delightful yet absurd trip down memory lane. The screening took place at a multiplex in Mumbai organised by DIY Solutions and was attended by key cast and crew members such as Dhanush, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, lyricist Irshad Kamil and writer Himanshu Sharma. Although Sonam Kapoor was unable to make the screening, the presence of her was lovingly noted by a framed picture on a reserved chair.
After the screening, the post-show entertainment kicked off with a series of stand-up acts and ended with a Q&A session that became more vibrant than usual, as the topic shifted into the unexpected territory of how the film handled gaalis (aka cuss words) and the process to gain CBFC approval.
Aanand L Rai Discusses CBFC Negotiation: “Yeh Do Gaali Rakh Lo…”
In light of current discussions regarding the Sitaare Zameen Par cuts, the audience turned to Aanand with the question if Raanjhanaa faced a similar fate. Aanand didn’t mince his words.
“Hum phone pe gaaliyaan discuss kar rahe the!” joked Aanand, causing the audience to burst out laughing.
“There was even a woman in the team. We said it aloud, ‘Yeh gaali hum teen baar rakh dete hai. Itna saara important kaam hai, gaali nahi hai. Yeh do rakho!'”
He explained that since those cuss words were used with passion and meaning in Raanjhanaa, the board was open to it. “Neeyat saaf thi,” said Rai, who believes that if made honestly, the same version would still get past the board today.
Fan Talks Bindiya, Rai Talks Impact
The event was not without emotional moments too. At one stage, a female fan stood, took the mic and asked the filmmaker why Bindiya (played by Swara Bhasker), who selflessly loved Kundan, received such an unfair fate in the film.
To which Rai, beaming at the enthusiasm in the question, simply replied:
“Taaki aapko woh character yaad rahein!”
This comment drew some jeers, as the host encouraged the crowd to clap for Swara’s performance in the film — as well as Abhay Deol’s understated genius as Jasjeet.
A Tribute 12 Years In The Making
Raanjhanaa had reached cult status since its release in 2013, particularly for its raw storytelling, emotional music, and powerful performances.
This off-site screening proved just how emotionally striking the film still is to this very day. The reunion of the team with heartfelt accounts of their time behind the scenes made the night all the more rewarding for their most devout supporters.
➤ Also Read: Madhubala Biopic Hits Pause: Budget Reshuffle Delays Jasmeet K Reen’s Ambitious Tribute To The Screen Icon
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
Whenever there seems to be a climate of creative expression facing some sort of bollocking of the processes of sanitisation, Aanand L Rai‘s witty yet relatable account of chasing the CBFC processes is nothing short of a typical balancing act between creative freedom and regulation in the commercial sphere. Twelve years later, Raanjhanaa still stirs serious discussions and re-evaluations — while the legacy endures (decked haphazardly in gaalis, no less).
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