The film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap, has made a remarkable return to theaters, with its re-release scheduled for August 30. This gripping saga, which will be showcased in approximately 33 Mirage Cinemas across the country until September 5, has ignited conversations on social media, becoming a hot topic of discussion. Known for its violent and adult themes, the film received an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its strong content. Initially, when released in 2012, the CBFC made several cuts to the film. In this article, we delve into the modifications made by the censor board and share insights on the movie’s storyline.
Dialogue Cuts by Censor Board
On June 14, 2012, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1’ was granted a censor certificate, but not without edits. The board decided to cut several dialogues that it deemed inappropriate. Notably, the line “उड़ा इसकी मां….” was removed entirely. Additionally, the original dialogue “हम इसकी मैया…” was altered to “काट के रख देंगे सा** को,” and another line “ये बंगाली लोग अपनी….” was modified to “कुछ लोग अपनी औरतों को…”. These changes received mixed reactions, reflecting the delicate balance between creative expression and regulatory standards in cinema.
Additional Disclaimers Added
To address any potential misconceptions, a lengthy disclaimer was added to the film in English, Hindi, and Urdu. It clarified that Wasseypur is located in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and while the film is based on real events reported in the media, it is a fictionalized account with altered names, timelines, and dramatized incidents. Importantly, the film was not shot in the real locations of Wasseypur, aiming to create a fictional narrative rather than a documentary.
Changes in Part 2
When ‘Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2’ was censored on July 30, 2012, four corrections were made. The sound of a knife attack was muted, and two scenes were removed: one involving a beheading and another where a character collides with a rock. Additionally, the subtitle “मैं तुम्हारी मां की….” was changed to “मैं तुम्हारी मां की कसम खाता हूं,” and the film was again accompanied by a lengthy disclaimer to clarify its fictional nature.
The Plot of Gangs of Wasseypur
The narrative of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1’ revolves around Sardar Khan (played by Manoj Bajpayee), the son of Shahid Khan (Jaideep Ahlawat). The storyline kicks off with Shahid’s murder by Ramadhir Singh (Tigmanshu Dhulia), prompting Sardar to plot his revenge. The first part culminates with the tragic death of Sardar. In the sequel, ‘Part 2,’ we witness Faizal Khan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) taking on the responsibility of avenging his father’s death, further intensifying the saga of revenge and familial loyalty.
Critical Reception and Cast
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ has left a lasting impact on audiences, resonating with viewers through its compelling narrative and powerful performances. The movie’s success at the box office not only solidified its cult status but also spotlighted the cast’s remarkable contributions. Featured alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film includes talented actors such as Richa Chadha, Piyush Mishra, Reema Sen, Huma Qureshi, Jameel Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Vineet Kumar Singh, Zeeshan Qadri, Vipin Sharma, and Anurita Jha, each bringing their characters to life in this intricate tale of vengeance, betrayal, and survival.