Ministry clears 'The Dirty Picture' for primetime TV viewing

New Delhi: Ekta Kapoor has had a victory of sorts when the Information and Broadcasting Ministry cleared her film ?The Dirty Picture? for primetime telecast on Sony TV - but not without paying a price in terms having to accept 15 cuts.

"The Dirty Picture" which was to air in April will finally premiere on television on 26 August at 12.00 pm in the afternoon and 8.30 pm the same night.

Earlier in April, the Ministry had under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act said that the film could only be shown after 11.00 pm since it contained some scenes not suitable for children, although the producers sought to argue that U/A certificate granted to the film meant that children can see the film if accompanied by parents.

In fact, the Government has also cleared Mukesh Bhatt?s ?Jannat 2? for showing at prime time on television.

The directive by the Ministry came after the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal headed by renowned lawyer Lalit Bhasin accepted the view of the producers in this regard.

However, the film industry feels that the cuts were not merited since the film had a UA and not an Adults Only certificate. The film already had had around 58 cuts before the Central Board of Film Certification cleared it with a UA certificate.

It is learnt that Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah?s love scene has been trimmed.

"We are very elated that finally our National award-winning film will make it to TV screens," said Balaji Motion Pictures head of acquisition and distribution Girish Johar.

The film, incidentally, won Vidya Balan her first National award for best actress for her portrayal of a film actress who goes through the process of rise and fall in life. It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.