MID-DAY (August 29, 2014)

While Rani Mukerji wants the Censor Board to revise Mardaani’s A certificate, Aamir Khan thinks that the board’s certification is justified. He says, “There are some words in the film that I wouldn’t want my children to hear and I definitely cannot show it to other kids. I don’t want children to be exposed to violence and abusive language. But of course, Rani may have a different opinion on it and I respect Rani highly as she is a friend.” The actor adds, “We should be careful about what we are expose our children to. Producers should promote their films in a certain way if their film falls under the adult category.”

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; August 18, 2014)

Did non-implementation of the new Censor Board guidelines come in the way of Mardaani getting a 'U/A' certificate? It appears to be so as the Rani Mukerji- starrer has gone on to become the first film under the Yash Raj Films banner to bag 'A' certification.

Says a source close to the banner, “After the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) told makers the film will get an 'A' certificate, Aditya Chopra had a chat with some CBFC officials before the certificate was issued. He wanted to know why the film couldn’t get a 'U/A' certificate since the subject is such that the film can be seen by children of the age of 12 years and above.  But Chopra was told that it wouldn’t be possible as the theme was adult and that present guidelines did not have a category for 12 years and above.’’

The makers apparently tried to convince they would promote the film keeping the content in mind. Rafiq Gangjee of YRF says, “We told the Board that we would put ‘Not Recommended for Children below 12’ in all our publicity material and show it at the start of the film so as to ensure that parents are sufficiently informed. However, the Censor Board explained to us that this was not legally possible, so we have accepted their decision.’’

He adds that their request for a U/A certificate was not for just one scene or dialogue, which can be deleted or modified as required. “This request was put forth in keeping with the stipulation of the board. We want to help communicate the film’s message to those young girls who, in our opinion, are at an age where they need to be aware and be informed about this serious issue of human trafficking.’’

What the proposed guidelines entail
As per the proposed guidelines, films can be certified as being suitable for children of 12 years and above, and for people aged 15 years and above. This has been done keeping in mind the sensibilities of the viewers to different types of language, content and the extent of nudity and violence.

The retained categories will be 'A' or adult for viewers above 18 years of age, 'U' certificate for unrestricted exhibition that is suitable for children below 12 years, and 'S' certificate if the film is meant for restricted viewing by members of a particular profession, class or person.

Rani Mukerji starrer Mardaani was awarded an 'A' certificate by the Censor Board on July 31, 2014. The following changes were made in the film, as asked by the Board:
1. The scene of clothes getting torn after water is hit through pipe was deleted by 20%
2. The visuals of blood trickling through a girl's leg was deleted
3. The word 'shauk' was muted from the dialogue 'Mera shauk rape hai'

The duration of the film is 113 minutes. The film releases on August 22, 2014

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; July 30, 2014)

Rani Mukherji-starrer Mardaani has gained the distinction of being the first Yash Raj film to get an A certificate.

The film, that deals with human trafficking and has Rani playing a police officer in it, has been granted an adult certificate with a few cuts. A source says, “The film deals with child-trafficking and prostitution. This is why the film has been issued an 'A' certificate.’’ It turns out that Yash Raj Films has not applied for a re- certification so far.

The source adds that the few cuts in the film include nude scenes and abusive language. “Muting has been done away with now, so the Censor Board has just asked the makers to delete the objectionable words.’’

Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the film stars Rani Mukherji and Tahir Raj Bhasin; it is slated to release on August 22. A spokesperson for the film confirmed the story.