The scheduled screening of 'The Dirty Picture' on Sony TV on Sunday has been deferred after the Information and Broadcast Ministry directed the channel to telecast the film at a late night slot.
The Vidya Balan-starrer film was slated to be telecast at 12 noon and 8 pm on Sunday. The ministry in a letter to Sony TV on Saturday said that the channel should refrain from telecasting the 'UA' certified film The Dirty Picture during the day and evening hours on Sunday.
However, if Sony TV considers telecasting the 'UA' certified film, they should telecast it during late night hours after 11 pm, according to official sources. The originally 'A' rated film went through 59 cuts to get a UA certificate, in order to be screened on television.
But according to Central Board of Film Certification, a UA certified film can be shown only after 11 pm. CBFC had advised that the film should be shown late at night when most parents are available to suitably guide their children, said the sources.
When contacted, the channel refused to comment on the ministry directive. However, a source in the channel said that they have decided not to play the film after receiving complaints from viewers about the screening timing.
"The Dirty Picture", directed by Milan Luthria, is based on the life of South siren Silk Smitha and depicts the rise and fall of a dancing star. Balan won a national award for her portrayal of Silk.
The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor and Emraan Hashmi. Tusshar, upset with the telecast being stalled, tweeted, "Really unfortunate that after all the necessary cuts and a valid UA certificate, The Dirty Picture could not be telecast today on Sony tv!"
"In light of recent events that exposed the dark side of Bollywood, The Dirty Picture was well timed as it depicts a similar harsh reality! Sad that inspite of being acclaimed for its entertaining realism and having won 3 National Awards the regulatory forces have stalled the show," he added.
Video : ANI
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