Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Cheat India will now be titled Why Cheat India owing to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Mumbai Mirror reports that according to a source close to the project, the Examining Committee has observed that the title was controversial and misleading when seen in context of the film. It referred the matter to the Revising Committee which agreed with the EC’s sentiments despite arguments from the makers that the promotional material for the film had already been in the public domain for two years.
After talks with the Board, the makers agreed to rename the film Why Cheat India after which it was cleared by the Regional Officer and given a U/A certificate. Prior to this, the team behind the film claim to have received only one cut in which they were required to blur out footage of drug use.
One of the film’s producers, Tanuj Garg, confirmed the news and said, “Yes, the Board had concerns about the previous title. We had an extensive conversation regarding the proposed change since the theatrical trailer and TV promos had already been certified with the original title. We felt this would lead to dual communication with the audience but finally, in the interest of time, we mutually agreed on a title change.”
The film’s tagline ‘Nakal mein hi akal hai’ also seems to have been removed from promotional material.
Why Cheat India explores corruption in the Indian education system. has been written and directed by Soumik Sen and also stars Shreya Dhanwanthary. It has been produced by T-Series, Emraan Hashmi Films and Atul Kasbekar’s Ellipsis Entertainment. The film releases on 18 January.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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