An "adult family film". This is how ex-Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani describes Julie 2, an upcoming erotic thriller for which he has turned distributor.
In a recent interview to The Quint, Nihalani spoke about why he decided to market and distribute the film, his "sanskaari" tag and his exit as CBFC Chairman.
"After I heard the script of Julie (2), I got the chance to watch the film and really liked it. I then thought that I should distribute the film," he said.
"I can guarantee and say, because the film has been cleared (by the CBFC) without any cuts and the content of the film is such, that any adult family which is watching the film together won't feel uncomfortable," he said.
It was in August this year, in a move that drew widespread applause from the film fraternity, that Nihalani was sacked from his post and replaced with noted lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi.
In his interview Nihalani stated that he was projected as a "sanskari" chief unnecessarily and that he was targeted personally by the industry during his tenure as the Board's chief.
He also said that the CBFC's rules are based on the "country's culture and sensibilities". "It is not a question of what the public wants or not. Why is there such a hue and cry when a film is not passed. We have to go with the procedure," he said.
Starring Raai Laxmi, Julie 2 is a sequel to the 2004 film Julie.
At the launch of the trailer in September, Nihalani, who had earlier controversially called Lipstick Under My Burka a "lady-oriented" while refusing to certify it, defended Julie 2 saying, "You haven't watched the film, so watch it to judge it. Don't judge a book by its cover."
When asked why he supported a film like this, he shot back, "I am not associated with CBFC, so do not ask me anything to do with that. As a filmmaker, I supported the film because it is a real story, it is an adult family entertainer. I have no problem with 'A' certification. But this is not the platform for discussing my past. If you cannot digest the film, I will give you a digestive tablet."
During another media interaction, Nihalani was asked how many cuts he would have given to Julie 2 if he was still the CBFC chief.
According to PTI, he responded saying, "It's not my job anymore. Let the designated person decide how many cuts it should have or not. It is a very clean, adult movie.
"If I was there, I would not have given it any cut and given an 'A' certificate. It doesn't have obscenity or any cuss words. It's a complete, adult, family film."
Julie 2 seems to be riding high on Nihalani's name. Even though he is only presenting the movie, his name features prominently in the poster and trailer.
(With IANS inputs)