Madhur Bhandarkar is the latest Bollywood director to have his upcoming film "Heroine" slapped with an "A" certificate by the censor board this month.
With several film makers releasing a spate of movies deemed inappropriate for local audiences, the censor board is inclined to make sure no obscene, overtly intimate or sensitive scenes make their way to the silver screen.
Like most directors, Madhur Bhandarkar isn't amused with the board's objections. "As expected got an 'A' certificate from the censor board," Bhandarkar tweeted.
It was previously reported the only the theatrical promos were certified with 'A'. The board has also asked the director to tweak or chop off the love-making and cigarette-smoking scenes from the film.
According to the Censor Board of Film Certification, the film is too bold and certain changes were required for appropriate viewing by sensitive sections of the Indian market.
So far, the filmmakers have cut three trailers of "Heroine", along with certain parts of the theatrical promo.
"We have cut three trailers for Heroine," Executive Director-Marketing Shikha Kapur of Disney-UTV said according to the Hindustan Times.
"There will be some difference in the content, but they won't be completely different from one another," the publication quoted an insider as saying.
"For example, we have changed Hindi words like 'r***i' (prostitute) to 'item' for our U/A trailer," the insider said, adding "Plus, the cigarette-smoking scene has been blurred. The love-making sequences have also been cut down," the source added.
"Heroine" is reportedly based on the life of a superstar in Bollywood's world of glitz and glamour. The movie, whose trailer will be out on July 25, is touted as the most ambitious project by the National-Award winning director.
Kareena Kapoor, who essays the role of super starlet "Mahi Arora" in the film, shot several smoking scenes that depict the off-screen reality of a celebrity's life. However, those scenes will be blurred following the board's decision. The film also stars Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda in the lead roles.
