NEW DELHI: The film on Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved ‘Jungle Book’, which re- leases in India on April 8, has been given a U/A certificate by the Censor Board for being too “scary”.
The Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) examining panel felt that the 3D graphics and sound effects were too “scary” for young children. U/A certification means parental guidance is required for children under 12 to watch the movie.
Incidentally, the Jon Favreau film has received a “parental guidance”, or PG, rating in the United States.
Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani told TOI, “Just as a warning is given for a rollercoaster ride, the examining panel felt that the movie could be too scary and has suggested that parents decide if it is appropriate for small children to watch. The animals leap out from the screen and the sound effects can be scary. Let the parents decide.”
He added, “If the producers wanted they could have appealed against the decision but they have not. When people watch the film they will understand our concerns.”
Sources said it was the technology rather than the content which was a cause of concern. “If the film was 2D, it could have been given a universal certificate,” a source said.
The decision has been lampooned on social media with many criticising Nihalani. The Censor Board is no stranger to controversy and has come under fire for its certification decisions, including shortening the length of a kiss in the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ and replacing the word “balls” with “cats”.
‘Jungle Book’ is an eagerly awaited film and the certification could affect the movie’s box office collection. It has among its credits ma- jor Hollywood stars including Ben Kingsley and Lupita Nyong’o, Idris Elba, Neel Sethi, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson who have lent their voices to the film. The book has been a favourite with children for years across the world.
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