I'm happy that 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' will release soon: Prakash Jha

Overruling the censor board's refusal, Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) has issued 'A' or adults certificate to feminist drama 'Lipstick Under My Burkha'.

Prakash Jha, at a press meet on Wednesday, commented on the issue when Central Board of Film Certification denied issuing the film a certificate.

"I really laughed when I read the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) decision and the way they had interpreted the whole film. It was ridiculous to interpret a story like that," said the 'Rajneeti' director.

"We all know that in all societies, we have taken it for granted that women will have to look, behave, think and even dream in a particular way which is entirely male oriented."

"They will be part of our life but the way we (men) want them to be. Women cannot think, dream or talk about their career, sexuality or satisfaction which has now become a well understood norm," he added.

"Here was this story of four women in a very normal, funny conversation talking about their dreams, feelings, aspirations, bodies, sexuality, career and then what happened? A male gazing mind oriented CBFC gets scared about how women can talk about themselves and think."

"So I was very confident that if it's presented properly and a set of people look at it with a rational point of view, it will be understood. And that's what happened."

"FCAT order talks about the relevance and importance of the film. Nothing has been asked from the film to be deleted except 10 seconds here or there and a word or two. Otherwise it's a completely reverse decision of CBFC observation and one is happy and confident that you can talk or speak and make such films," added the 'Jai Gangaajal' helmer.

On a related note, the cast of the Alankrita Shrivastava-directorial includes Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah and Sonal Jha, among others.