Vishal Bhardwaj's forthcoming rustic drama "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" has been cleared wuth a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The filmmaker is glad the movie will reach a wider audience.

"I've always wanted my films to reach out to a wider audience. Finally with 'Matru...', not restricted by the A rating, I'll be able to do so. I'd like to thank the CBFC for giving this rating as it's a bright and happy film," Bhardwaj said in a statement.

The film had initially run into censor trouble with Pankaj Kapur's character saying "Pancho", which, the CBFC felt, sounded like a Hindi expletive. However, much to the director's delight, the U/A rating makes the movie fit for family audiences, including those under 18.

With "Matru...", Bhardwaj has set out to experiment with a brighter and funnier zone by diverting from his usual serious cinema.


"Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", presented by Fox Star Studios and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj, releases Jan 11. It also features Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma.