Censor introduces Parental Guidance for ‘Bittoo Boss’

Bittoo Boss tryst with Censor board has been in news for all the wrong reasons ever since its First Look promo as well as song ‘Bittoo Sab Li Lega‘ were banned by the authorities. Just when one thought that the troubles would continue for many more days to come, the makers have been pleasantly surprised with change in guidelines that have been introduced just for them. Though the norm is to slot a film into ‘A’, ‘U/A’ or ‘U’ rating, introduction of ‘Parental Guidance’ has only helped its cause.

“Going by the theme and treatment of the film, many worried if the film would ultimately end up getting an ‘A’ certificate. While ‘U’ was out of question, even ‘U/A’ could have been possible only with certain cuts. Argument of the Censor board was that the film wasn’t meant for the kids. The discussions ensued and this is when it was recommended that ‘Parental Guidance’ could be introduced that would keep both parties happy”, informs a source.

This is in line with films coming from the West where separate rating systems are administered for different kind of films, unlike India where there are just three basic available slots. This means that Bittoo Boss would now lie somewhere between ‘U/A’ and ‘A’, hence gaining from a fourth slot.

The source continues, “While kids can still watch a film with their parents or guardians, as is expected from a ‘U/A’ film, there would be a bold print declaration in all publicity material that would clearly call out ‘Parental Guidance’. As per that the film would be suitable only for those over 15 years in age though it would be the call of parents to tag along younger ones. However if the latter does happen, Censor board won’t have any objection to that.”

Abhishek Pathak, who had a long standing battle with Censors on his debut production Pyaar Ka Punchnama as well, confirms that he has accepted ‘Parental Guidance’ rating for Bittoo Boss. “This totally works for the film. We have always maintained that it can be seen by youth and mature audience and now it is upon elders to be accountable for that and convey the same message”, he says, “This is indeed the best case scenario.”

The film releases all over next Friday on the occasion of Vaisakhi.