'Fifty Shades of Grey' fails to get censor nod

Erotic romance “Fifty Shades of Grey” failed to get clearance for release from the censor board.

The producers, Universal Pictures, have the option to appeal against the decision, Shravan Kumar, the chief executive of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), said on Thursday. Kumar said that the producers first approached them in January but then they rescheduled the examination twice, citing unavailability of content.

“It is out of the way for us because certification happens on first-come-first-serve basis. We finally viewed the film for examination on February 28 and the committee compiled its report and sent it to them. Their reply is awaited,” Kumar said.

When asked whether the film was cleared or not, Kumar said: “It did not pass but it is not unusual as many mainstream films don’t get clearance in the first step, people have the option to go for revising committee’s opinion. The theme of the movie is such that it could not be cleared in the first viewing. In the second step a wider committee will review the film.”

Universal India declined to comment when approached. The movie, an adaptation of EL James’ S&M-themed novel trilogy, stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.

Released during Valentine’s Day weekend in the US and other countries, the film has done exceptionally well.