Crook gets 'A' certificate for topless scene

Last week, we saw a tussle between the censor board and the makers of the film Aakrosh, which is based on honour killings, with the censors requesting for approximately 30 cuts. And now, it's producer Mahesh Bhatt, who was told by Censor Board that he had to edit out a scene with a topless scene, if he wanted a U/A certificate for his film Crook: It's Good To Be Bad.

The censor gave the choice to edit the scene or keep the scene and settle with an 'A' certificate. Mahesh choose 'A'. Though the director of the film, Mohit Suri, tried to convince him otherwise, Bhatt insisted that the film be released as 'Adults Only'.

Last week saw a major confrontation at the Censor screening of Crook, which was attended by Mohit Suri and Mukesh Bhatt. Actress Shella Alan has performed the topless scene in question, which was shot in Australia.

A source close to Bhatts says, "In the film, Emraan Hashmi gets drunk and passes out in Shella's car. He wakes up in her bed, and when he comes out from the washroom he sees her changing her clothes, with her back to him. Mukesh questioned the Censor Board's decision to allow frontal nudity in some films that are known as Indian classics today, whereas his film shows side nudity only. The Censor members completely disagreed with it."

Mohit Suri and Mukesh Bhatt then called up Mahesh Bhatt, who told him that the scene couldn't be done away with under any circumstances. It turns out that Shella had no issues in doing the topless scene. Mohit admits, "I asked her if she wanted to wear a body suit but she said she was fine without it. I understood Mahesh ji's perspective. I wanted a U/A but we are also fine with it."

Bhatt said, "It's okay. I was not ready to eliminate that scene. I see nothing wrong in it. There are three reasons why I was so possessive about the scene. One, it is relevant to the film. Two, it creates a dramatic impact. Three, the audience today largely comprises of the young generation, who wants certain sensationalism and not the so-called purists."

Crook stars Emraan Hashmi and debutant Neha Sharma in lead roles.