Mark Anthony controversy: Shocking! Vishal explains why he had no choice but to pay the bribe to get clearance for his film from CBFC, “Too much was at stake because…”

MUMBAI: Well known Tamil actor Vishal was left in shock after what happened at the CBFC office recently. The actor said he was left helpless and was forced to pay a bribe of Rs 6.5 Lakhs before the release of the HIndi version of his Tamil language film Mark Anthony. He narrated his ordeal in a video he shared on social media that has caught the attention of his fans and many others.

Also Read-Mark Anthony controversy:really! Jackky Bhagnani reacts to Vishal’s accusations against Mumbai CBFC for taking bribes, “saaf safai ki baat kar rahe hain..”

Mark Antony released on 15th September and has got a great response. The film’s HIndi version released on 29th September and post that the lead actor Vishal took to his social media page to share a video. In the video he states clearly that this is not a promotional video but about the scam he faced and requests the Prime Minister to take appropriate action. He says, “We applied for a certificate online and we had to come in at the last minute due to some technical issue. But, we were taken aback by what happened at the CBFC office in Mumbai. When my person visited the office, we were given an option to pay the price of ₹6.5 lakh and get the certification the same day. We were left with no option.”

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A post shared by Vishal (@actorvishalofficial)

Vishal has said that since he was late in submitting the film to CBFc, he would have to pay half the amount for the CBFC officials to watch the film and the remaining for the film to receive a U/A certification. He said, “I wouldn’t have given (the money) if it was a week before but just because of some technical issues we had to go a little late for censorship. Too much was at stake because the film had to be released on September 28 and the posters were out. Everything was ready and we didn’t have any other option.”

He added, “My manager called me and told me that because we are late, a lady is quoting Rs 6.5 lakhs to pay and we don’t have time to think. She said that all bets were off and the officer wanted to know right now or move on. I took five minutes to gather myself after hearing this.”

Also Read-Shocking! Mark Anthony actor Vishal says he paid a bribe of Rs 6.5 lakhs to CBFC for the film’s Hindi release, “we were taken aback…”

Vishal then came to know through a CBFC official that many were involved in this scam, “I was shocked because I never knew that corruption would go up to CBFC. When my man asked who are involved in this, she very blatantly told him that it goes up the ladder.”

The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate.

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…

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 29, 2023

Vishal further said, “It’s very alarming, and immediate action needs to be taken. I am not surprised, I am really happy that this is being done. This is not just for Vishal, the actor, but for the entire industry. This is for future producers and this should be an example. Everyone should be scared to take bribes in any government office in India.”

Demanding strict action against the culprits he said, “Do take action against corrupt officials; the money is secondary. The action taken against corrupt officials brings about an example that nobody can take a common person for granted. Anyone in future will think twice about taking bribes. I have not done an adult film to pay for certification. I am expecting action first. Let the money go to charity, it is a cause, and the cause is served.”

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Credit-Indianexpress