Censor Board Issues Notices To Theatre Owners For Screening 'Uncertified' Leo Trailer

With the trailer launch of Leo starring Thalapathy Vijay, the fans are more excited for the film to be released. Along with huge hype around the film, it has landed into controversy over the actor using cuss words in the trailer. The trailer gained a fair share of criticism, sparking public outrage and regular scrutiny. Now, theatres across Tamil Nadu have come under CBFC’s (Central Board of Film Certification) scanner for screening the “uncertified” trailer.

Under the regulations of the Cinematograph Act, uncertified content cannot be screened for the public and doing so is a criminal offence which is punishable by court. This prompted swift action from the CBFC to address the matter and issued notices to theatre owners, explicitly mentioning that the trailer of Leo was not certified by the board.

In the notice, the film board also asked the theatre owners to reply about the source of the content before October 11, Wednesday. “You are directed to intimate the office who provided the uncertified content of the trailer of Leo and you are directed to show cause why action should not be taken initiated against you,” the letter from CBFC Chennai, Regional officer IAS D Balamurali read.

Before the trailer launch of the film, Leo managed to secure a U/A certificate from the CBFC. The board has reportedly also ordered 13 changes to the film, including muting swear words used in the film.

Addressing the cuss words controversy, director Lokesh Kanagaraj during a promotional event clarified that it was not his intention to include such language in the trailer. He also revealed that Vijay initially hesitated to use the cuss words and worried about the reaction.

Lokesh also took accountability for the controversy and acknowledged his role in including the contentious content in the trailer, demonstrating his willingness to bear the responsibility for the ensuing public reaction.

The action thriller also stars Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Menon, Mysskin and Priya Anand in pivotal roles. Leo also features Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. Leo is set to hit the cinemas on October 19.