Channels say NO to Adult fims

In a fresh blow to filmmakers, four major broadcasters have decided not to purchase 'A' rated films. Not even if the producers in question or the censors clip the objectionable portions and hand them a modified version to be broadcast.

What has precipitated this decision is the fact that advertisement revenues of satellite channels have fallen considerably in the past whenever they have telecast 'A' films. Reason being these flicks have to be aired post 11pm.

And it doesn't end there. The broadcasters have made it crystal clear to producers that in the event they purchase a film well before its release and it then gets rated A a week or two before hitting theatres, they will be left with no option but to terminate the contract.

by Text-Enhance">Confirming the development, Jayantilal Gada, CMD of PEN India, the acquisition agency for Zee TV, told Mirror, "We have decided we will not buy an ' film. We hardly bought any films in the past that were unfit for family viewing. Zee TV is a family channel and it has decided to remain so always.

Besides, why indulge in by Text-Enhance">investment where neither the returns nor the viewership is according to expectations?"

The film industry was in for a rude shock on Thursday when Sony Entertainment Television, which has been a lead player in broadcasting films with 'controversial' content, categorically told some filmmakers about the channel's new policy. Mahesh Bhatt told Mirror, "A very highly placed representative of Sony told me they had taken a decision they would not buy films that get an A by Text-Enhance">certificate from the Censor Board. She said even those films that are modified to a U/A rating for TV viewing will not qualify."

While Sneha Rajani, Sr Executive VP and Business Head from Sony refused to revert to our calls and text messages, another producer on the request of anonymity said, "Some channels have taken a big beating for airing sexladen movies. They are answerable to their audience which is why this drastic decision."

Said Bhatt, "This will create chaos in the film industry. Makers will have to do a rethink on content." Said Hemal Jhaveri, Executive VP and GM - STAR Gold and Movies OK, "We are not buying films."

On September 21, 2012, Mirror had reported how the recent spate of big productions failing to meet box office expectations (Don 2, Agent Vinod, Mausam) had forced broadcasters to change their mind. At the time, a majority of them had already decided to buy a film's satellite screening rights only after the audience had decided its fate on a Friday. As such, filmmakers were already under the stress of having to prove their mettle at the box office before demanding their share of the pie from satellite channel owners when this fresh trouble has now hit them. At the time of going to press", Mirror had also by Text-Enhance">confirmed that even Colors had taken a similar decision