The director is not comfortable with the anti-tobacco disclaimer that the government wants to be inserted in every frame where character(s) smokes.
- Oct 8, 2013
AceShowbiz - "Blue Jasmine" will not be released in India. The movie starring Alec Baldwin and Cate Blanchett was supposed to premiere in the country over the weekend, but director Woody Allen pulled it from the cinemas due to the government's anti-tobacco ad policy.
Indian law requires anti-smoking PSA is shown before every movie. The lawmakers also insist a message about the danger of tobacco use be inserted on every scene where character(s) lights up cigarette, a policy that Allen objects because he feels it will create distraction from the movie.
"Allen was adamant that he wanted the film to be shown as he had made it, without any additions to the print," a representative for Allen says in a statement, "Due to content in the film, it cannot be shown in India in its intended manner. Therefore, the film is not scheduled to play there."
Indian actor/director Rajat Kapoor was among movie goers in the country who felt disappointed by the axe. "After waiting for weeks to see Blue Jasmine, now because of smokers it wont be seen here. give up nicotine, guys- come on!" he recently tweeted.
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)" also didn't get an Indian release last year after director David Fincher refused to cut the love-making scenes in the movie.
