Censor spoilt prospects of 'Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji'

The censor board is being held responsible for the poor opening response to "Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji" (DTBHJ), which got an A-certificate and kept children and their families away.

"I respect their (censor board) decision. I am used to adults certificates for my films. And in fact 'Chandni Bar' and 'Fashion' did have adult content. But DTBHJ does not deserve an adults certificate. The film is picking up by word of mouth with every show. Besides we've an 'open' week next week with no big release coming up," director Madhur Bhandarkar said about his first comedy.

With the satellite rights of DTBHJ going for Rs.18 crore, DTBHJ is a safe bet at the box office.

Interestingly, Bhandarkar's film has no lewd references or double meanings or objectionable shots.

Said a source close to Bhandarkar: "The film lost 20 percent of its audience because of the adult rating. The minute the audience hears a film is for adults only and that it's a sex comedy, the families stay away. I don't mean to question the censors decision. But I wonder how DTBHJ qualifies as adult entertainment? It's a harmless and entertaining look at courtship and romance in the metropolis. What is shocking about three guys looking for female company?"

Released Friday, DTBHJ stars Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Omi Vaidya, Shruti Haasan and Shazahn Padamsee.