'Sarke Chunar' song controversy: Prasoon Joshi says, 'Content on digital platforms is not certified by CBFC'

The song 'Sarke Chunar' from the Kannada movie 'KD: The Devil', featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, received massive backlash from all quarters. And now, amid backlash, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has clarified that it had not received any application to certify the track.As per the ANI report, CBFC chairperson and veteran lyricist Prasoon Joshi stated that the content released on digital platforms doesn't get certified by the CBFC. He said, "This is to clearly state that CBFC has not received any application seeking certification for the song "Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke" from KD: The Devil Film. It is to be noted clearly that content on digital platforms is not certified by CBFC. There is often confusion about this, and CBFC is unnecessarily dragged into matters that are not connected." The statement further read, "CBFC is a responsible and responsive body with committed members who take portrayal of women in cinema sensitively and have, with sincere effort, shifted the needle from controversy to constructive dialogue. In the case of this particular song all queries should be directed to the platform and the makers of the song."Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha about the decision while responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria. "The song has already been banned. I would like to say this clearly that we should follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution of India on freedom of speech."The minister referred to the provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which allow restrictions on freedom of speech in the interest of public order, decency, morality, and other concerns.Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission had issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, raising concerns over the vulgar lyrics and visuals of the 'Sarke Chunar' song.The commission had sought strict action on the matter within two weeks. As per the report, the NHRC bench, presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, observed that the allegations prima facie indicate a potential violation of human rights and took cognizance under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.Directed by Prem, the film stars Dhruva Sarja in the lead role. The film also features Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, V. Ravichandran, and more. The movie is a period action entertainer inspired by real events from 1970s Bangalore. It is scheduled to hit theaters on April 30, 2026.