In what’s set to be a major Bollywood release, ‘The Crew’, featuring an ensemble cast led by Kriti Sanon, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Tabu, has come under the scrutiny of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Slated for a theatrical release on March 29, this comedy flick has already won many hearts with its trailer that debuted to a positive reception. However, the CBFC has put forth a stipulation for the makers: to clean up the language by swapping out specified cuss words before the film makes its way to cinema screens.
For those eagerly anticipating the film, ‘The Crew’ offers a refreshing narrative loaded with wit, with leading ladies Sanon, Kapoor, and Tabu delivering performances that radiate charisma and comedic prowess. The trailer promises a whirlwind of laughter, displaying scenes of our protagonists, in particular, Tabu’s character, an air hostess, finding herself amidst bizarre yet hilarious predicaments.
Yet, it’s precisely Tabu’s character who has caught the attention of the CBFC for using colorful language. Within the engaging antics of the trailer, there are instances where her character resorts to expletives. For instance, she is seen using the phrase “Baith ch***ye”, which according to the Board’s new directive will take an alternate form, with ‘ch***ye’ being replaced by the less offensive ‘bhootiye’. Similarly, ‘har***zaade’ will morph into ‘ameerzaade’, and ‘har***iyon’ is set to be toned down to ‘kameeno’.
Despite these censorships, the excitement for ‘The Crew’ has not waned. Kareena Kapoor Khan recently connected with her fanbase via a special zoom video call. In her discussion, she expressed that the film was a ‘fun light-hearted’ escape into entertainment, and confidently claimed, “this is the film that all my fans will really really enjoy.” Having previously touched souls with performances in ‘Laal Singh Chadda’ and ‘Jaane Jaan’, the actress also known as ‘Bebo’ suggested that this latest project would remember the ‘Bebo’ her fans admire and cherish.
While the CBFC’s instructions may require the film to shift its verbal gears, the essence of ‘The Crew’ remains intact—delighting the audience with the charm and elegance of the air hostess uniforms, the coordination of comic timing, and the appeal of the leading trio. The interplay of their talents ensures a cinematic experience filled with quirkiness and hearty laughs.
Adding further allure to this promising venture is the vision of director Rajesh A Krishnan who has captured the spirit of ‘The Crew’ across various Indian locations, predominantly Mumbai. This film marks an important release for both Balaji Telefilms and Anil Kapoor Film & Communications Network, clearly indicating the weight of expectations resting on its success at the box office.
In an industry that regularly battles with censorship issues, ‘The Crew’ stands as another example of how creative expression must sometimes be negotiated within established regulatory frameworks. As the film braves its final adjustments following the CBFC’s feedback, both the makers and the fans look ahead to March 29 with high anticipation.
What remains unaltered is the buzz around ‘The Crew’ – audiences continue to await the experience of what is touted to be the quintessential family entertainer, one that has humor, star power, and an adventurous spirit that advocates laughter as the best medicine. Despite the CBFC’s interventions, it appears that nothing will stop ‘The Crew’ from its ascent into what could be a box-office hit, demonstrating that while words may be fleeting, the power of a well-crafted comedy is timeless.
