Filmmaker Saraf Ahmed Zibon’s debut venture, “Chokkor 302”, has secured clearance for theatrical release. Backed by government funding, the film has successfully obtained certification from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board without requiring any edits. 

The Bangladesh Film Certification Board, restructured and renamed in September after being reformed in August, included filmmaker Khijir Hayat Khan as one of its 15 members. However, Khan stepped down in November, just three weeks after its formation.

In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.

Hopeful outcomes from the new establishment will take months or years of work, research and the final formation of the act and its accompanying set of rules.

Following this rejection, the film is officially uncertified and banned from public exhibition throughout Bangladesh. Any unauthorized screening of the film will result in confiscation, and those involved may face legal action. This order is effective immediately.

The resurgence of "cut-piece" (short clips with explicit content meshed into Bangladeshi films) clips in Bangladeshi cinema, once a hallmark of its "dark age," has prompted a crackdown by authorities, not too long ago. These explicit and provocative scenes tied into mainstream films alienated audiences, tarnishing the industry’s reputation, especially in the post-2000 era.

The newly established Film Certification Board held its inaugural screening on Monday, September 30, showcasing two films — “Bhoyal” and “Rajkumari”.

Veteran actress Shabnam was approached to become a member of the new committee of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. She asked for two days to consider the offer but later graciously declined, citing her inability and disinterest in taking on the role.