The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi the all-clear without any cuts. The producers of the film, Dharma Productions, must be breathing a sigh of relief with the certificate. The film is scheduled to be released on 25 November.
Also read: Dear Zindagi Take 4 leaves you wanting to break free
Dharma Productions' Diwali release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was embroiled in controversy because Pakistani actor Fawad Khan had a small role in the film directed by Karan Johar. The opposition to the film was so strong at one point that it seemed like the film wouldn't see the light of day. Eventually, Johar had to add a tribute to the soldiers slain in the Uri attack before the film and agree not to cast any other Pakistani talent in future films.
Also read: Deal struck, MNS backs off, will not oppose Ae Dil Hai Mushkil release
Besides Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles, Dear Zindagi stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi and Ali Zafar in key roles. Their parts have largely been kept out of the promotions and it’s not hard to guess why. However small a role, Pakistani actor Zafar is also part of the production and the filmmakers and actress Alia Bhatt have denied rumours of him having been replaced with actor Tahir Raj Bhasin.
Read also: Nobody has been replaced on Dear Zindagi: Alia Bhatt rubbishes rumours
Besides passing the film without a single cut, the CBFC members were reportedly quoted as saying that it would be a crime to cut anything from the wholesome film. They went on to commend actor Shah Rukh Khan for being the only A-list star whose films require the least amount of censorship.
Things are certainly looking up for Johar’s banner with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil joining the Rs100 crore club and now the trouble-free release of Dear Zindagi.