Time to change Cinematograph Act, says Mukesh Bhatt

Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt Monday called for a change in the provisions of Cinematograph Act 1952, on the basis of which the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regulates public exhibition of films in the country

"The tragedy is that our Cinematograph Act is of 1952 and we are living in 2012. We need to change that. We need to push for a change on immediate basis because the world has changed. The world had changed but Cinematograph Act has not changed for some reason," Bhatt said at the CII Media and Entertainment Summit 2012 here.

Bhatt feels that there has to be a yardstick with which the filmmakers can judge, which film can be deemed as an 'A (adult)' film or a 'U (universal viewing)' film.

"I, as a filmmaker, don't know what are the parameters to follow for a 'U/A', 'A', or 'U' certificate. The interpretation is so vague. I feel I am at the mercy of those people who are watching the film," he said.

"There was a promo of a romantic song, where the boy and the girl don't even touch each other and for some strange reason, the promo was given a U/A certificate. Why?

Because the members wanted to play safe, so that nobody raises questions on it later. That kind of a mindset has to be changed. There has to be some clear demarcation so that I say these are the 'dos' and these are the 'donts', while making a film."

Bhatt was speaking during a panel discussion on film and TV censorship in the country. Apart from Bhatt, the panel included Shyam Benegal, Sudhir Mishra, Jahnu Barua, Gauri Shinde, Shabana Azmi and CBFC chief Leela Samson.

Bhatt also urged the CBFC to ignore "unnecessary" PILs (public interest litigation) filed against any film once it has been cleared by the board.

"And if somebody has filed a PIL somewhere - some moral policing organization wanting to seek publicity at the cost of our films, I urge the board to not to accept such PILs after they have cleared the film. Any random person files the PIL and we fall into trouble... that's ridiculous," he added.

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Murder 3 to release on February 15 next year

Producer Mukesh Bhatt's son Vishesh is making his directorial debut with Murder 3 and the film will hit theatres on Februray 15 next year. The third instalment of 2004 thriller 'Murder' stars Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead

Murder 3 will release a day after Valentines Day next year and we are very eager to see how audiences lap up the latest film in the Murder franchise... The film is especially close to me since my son Vishesh makes his directorial debut with it, Mukesh said.

After the success of the 3D horror 'Raaz 3, Fox Star Studios has again teamed up with Vishesh Films for Murder 3. We are very excited to announce that Murder 3 is up for release 15th February 2013... With the third offering we aim to raise the bar.

We are very happy to associate with Vishesh Films yet again and hope to recreate the Raaz 3 magic,  said Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios India. Shooting for the film has already begun in South Africa.

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Mukesh Bhatt new president of Producers Guild

Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt has taken over from Ramesh Sippy as the president of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India here Monday. He says he wants to work hard for the fraternity's benefit.

Bhatt was earlier serving as the vice president of the guild, an autonomous non-profit premier film trade body.

"It is a big honour and a big responsibility to have become the president of such a prestigious guild. There are a lot of expectations and a lot of work needs to be done for the film fraternity, " Bhatt told.

"We need to take the industry to the level it deserves to be, especially because we are celebrating 100 years (of Indian cinema), " he added.

Bhatt is the co-owner of production banner Vishesh Films, which has produced successful films like "Raaz- The Mystery Continues", "Jannat", "Murder" and most recently, "Raaz 3".

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Staff payments would lessen producers burden

Mukesh Bhatt, vice president of the Film and Producers Guild of India, says it was important to take the decision of staff payments by actors themselves to safeguard a producer's self-esteem and reduce financial burden on them.

"I met all the top actors and told them that it is important to solve this problem for a producer's self-esteem and self-respect. It is not possible for them to pay like this," the 60-year-old said here.

The Producers Guild on July 25 decided that the actors will have to shell out money from their own pockets for payments to be made to their staff, since such charges for some actors was turning out to be as high as Rs.50,000 a day.

"When I approached them (actors), they were very positive and understood the problem and agreed in five minutes. They said if it is a question of a producer's self-esteem and about service tax, then we are with the producers," he added.

Bhatt feels as the industry completes 100 years, it is important to bring a few changes for its betterment.

"We are talking about 100 years of cinema, it is important for us to bring a change in our home. If we won't do it, who would? This is the first step and I am happy that we have got good support till now and I hope for such support in future also so we can make this industry a heaven," he said.

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Aashiqui 2 likely to release on Valentine's Day

Producer Mukesh Bhatt says that "Aashiqui 2" shooting will start from next month and that they targeting to release it on Valentine's Day.

"We intend to release it on Valentine's Day because it is a love story, " Bhatt told IANS.

For "Aashiqui 2", Mohit Suri will wield the megaphone. The cast has Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor.

"We won't be in a hurry. When we feel the film is ready and when we are happy with our product, we will fix our release date, " he said.

The release plan would also depend upon "how the shoot goes" and "what other releases are coming during that time".

"Aashiqui 2" is a sequel to the 1990 romantic-musical "Aashiqui".

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the film starred two newcomers - Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal - in the lead roles. It was a super hit.

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Mukesh Bhatt's son debuts as director with 'Murder 3'

Mukesh Bhatt, whose production house is known for giving break to newcomers in the showbiz, is set to launch his son Vishesh as a director with his production venture "Murder 3".

" 'Murder 3' will be directed by Vishesh. Next month is the 25th year of Vishesh Films and it marks the debut of Vishesh as a director, " Mukesh Bhatt, who named the banner after his son, told.

Mukehsh Bhatt co-owns Vishesh Films with his brother Mahesh Bhatt and the banner launched actors like Rohit Roy, Anu Aggarwal and John Abraham.

"This film ('Murder 3') is as important for us as 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' was for Yas Raj Films or 'Maine Pyar Kiya' was for Rajshri. This is a very important film for us, " he added.

Directed by Anurag Basu, "Murder" featuring Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat, was released in 2004. "Murder 2" came in 2011 and this time Mohit Suri wielded the megaphone, while Emraan and Jacqueline Fernandez played the lead pair.

But in "Murder 3", Randeep Hooda has replaced Emraan and Aditi Rao Hydari will play his love interest.

" 'Murder 3' will be a different film. Unlike 'Murder' and 'Murder 2', 'Murder 3' will not be an erotic film but will have sensuality. Last two films focused much on single screens, 'Murder 3' will be an up market film for the multiplex as well, " said Mukesh Bhatt, 60.

He added that the film "will go on floors by July end" and that the "90 percent of the film will be shot in Cape Town".

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