No 'A' certificate for Dabangg

In the current market scenario when the maximum moolah for a film is generated in it's first week with more than half of it coming in the first three days itself, it is imperative that audience across different age groups and segments walk into theatres across the country in dozens. The makers of Dabangg are conscious of this fact and are sure that in order to get maximum footfalls, bringing in family audience is the key. No wonder, they are pushing for a 'Universal' certificate and are in no mood to settle for an 'Adults Only' certificate.

"We are very clear about that. Dabangg is a universal film and not targeted only for youth. There isn't anything at all in the film that would lead to an 'A' certificate", says Arbaaz Khan who is understandably protective about his debut production.

Ask him whether Censors would have any issues with the brutal and rustic action in the film and Arbaaz denies any such possibility.

"It is understandable for a film to get an 'A' certificate if it has blood all around with lot of gruesome and violent action. In case of Dabangg, there isn't anything remotely close to that. It is a fun masala entertainer and that's the way we have projected the film through promos as well", Arbaaz reasons.

However, the fact remains that Wanted was a fun film as well but it had received an 'A' certificate. It is a different matter though that the film still went on to be a super-hit at the box office even with a reduced audience base. Still, doesn't past reference make the producer in him wary, especially so because Dabangg is supposed to be carrying the 'cool action' quotient the same way forward as Wanted?

"God forbid, even if there is any particular shot that Censors may feel would qualify for adults only, I would fight for it, perhaps relent eventually but won't allow it come in the way for Dabangg to miss out on a 'U' certificate", Arbaaz responds quickly, "Of course, in my heart I don't think I would have to touch even a single shot. My film is for family audience. Also, it doesn't touch upon any sensitive issues. It doesn't have any vulgarity. Also, there isn't any foul language which is unbearable for audience to digest."

For someone who is attached to his film, Arbaaz understands that an 'A' certificate does affect a film's market eventually. "Today there is monitoring of people who step into theatres to watch a film. Dabangg is a film for single screens as well as multiplexes, A centres as well as B and C centres. It would appeal to all classes; it has to work everywhere. I want maximum number of people to watch Dabangg. Period."