Mausam DENIED clearance by Air Force, CLEARED pg 3

Shahid Kapoor-starrer Mausam has run into rough weather with the Indian Air Force (IAF) barely a week before its September 16 release.

The IAF is unhappy with an action sequence involving six fighter planes, one of them commandeered by Shahid, in the second half of the film.

Air force has held back its No Objection Certificate (NOC) until the producers make the changes they have sought. However, producer Sheetal Talwar said this would not be possible at this late hour because it would require a reshoot and also affect the plot.

Unless the IAF grants this film an NOC, the Censor Board will not accept it for review.

Mausam was scheduled for screening before the board on Wednesday but the review was called off in the absence of the IAF's NOC.

Talwar is flying to Delhi today to hold discussions with the IAF top brass all over again. "I will give them my perspective and the reasons why this alteration is impossible for us to carry out when the release date is upon us."

While the IAF refused to discuss the details of their objection, spokesperson Wing Commander Gerard Galway said the change they sought was minor.

"We have objected to only about 30 seconds of the film. Pankaj Kapoor has otherwise done a wonderful job of portraying an IAF officer and the entire movie is authentic."

Wing commander Galway said they had a healthy discussion with the director and producer over the objectionable part. "They were very gracious and agreed to do something about it. Once the scene is rectified, the NOC will be granted."

While Talwar refused to confirm if the change IAF sought would require a reshoot, he said it would not be easy. "We have told them we can't change anything now since it was approved by them at the script stage last year. Their objection reached us on Wednesday. We sent our reply to the IAF today."

Debutante director Pankaj Kapur said, "As far as I know, we are in the clear. We made this film in full consultation with the IAF. I am not aware of their objection. Sheetal Talwar will be the right man to comment on this."

This is not the first time a film has run into trouble with the defence forces.

The Indian army had objected to Amitabh Bachchan's beard in Major Saab.

In Hrithik Roshan-starrer Lakshya, in which the Kargil war was the backdrop, the army had objected to the reference to Bofors guns in the film.

A source said the film, portions of which were shot in the Gwalior IAF base, would need a go-ahead from the IAF. The film has been in the works for the past two years.