How 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' failed to get past the Indian Censor Board

A still from 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

The distributors of one of Hollywood's most controversial film 'Fifty Shades of Grey' failed to get certificate. The film was slated for India release on February 20th. The CEO of CBFC Shravan Kumar reveals the real reason. He said, "The application of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' (English) was received from Universal on January 23rd. But again there were two communications asking CBFC to hold back the Examining Committee screening as they were unable to provide the CD for screening of the film.''

A still from 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

Ten days later the application for EC of the film was cancelled by CBFC as despite requests for content the distributors of the film were unable to provide it to the Board.

Kumar said, "When the distributors of Fifty Shades of Grey informed the Board again that they could provide the CD of the film, the Examining Committee watched the film on February 28. There was a difference of opinion and the Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani accepted the majority recommendation of the EC not to certify the film.''

Universal has yet to come back to the Board to apply for Revising Committee screening. Kumar said, "As and when a request is received from the applicant, a Revising Committee (RC) will be constituted to watch the film; if the verdict is refused they can move the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.''