'We aren't biting nails'

Emraan Hashmi starrer Why Cheat India, which deals with problems plaguing the examination system, opened to a fantastic response at the ticket window. Hashmi's power-packed performance managed to grab the attention of the audience, which resulted in decent footfalls in theatres across the country. However, the movie might face tough competition from other big budget films that would be releasing this month, thereby affecting its business.

Talking about movie's performance in the upcoming weeks, and if he fears the competition with big budget flicks like Manikarnika: The queen of Jhansi, and much controversial Thackeray, Emraan says, "Unlike other big budget movies, Why Cheat India won't have to wait for two weeks to recover its finance. The moment our film released, we were in profit. In fact, this film recovered pretty much everything from its digital, satellite and music rights."

"That's the beauty of making a high concept film, with an interesting storyline – we put it in theatres and money starts flowing in from day one. Even if it starts slow, it would manage to appeal audience owing to its content.

Why Cheat India is based on the same business model. Therefore, we aren't biting nails, rather those who have big budget projects will be under pressure," he added.

The movie was making headlines for various reasons (the promos, the flawed system which it talks about and more) since its announcement. But just a week before its release, CBFC's decision to change the title from Cheat India to Why Cheat India wasn't appreciated by the makers. Considering it a senseless addition, Emraan changed his name to 'Why Emraan Hashmi' on Twitter in protest.

"Don't even try to look for any logic in this decision. The title of our film has been in the public domain for past one year. They passed every promo of the film and never raised any objection on the title. And suddenly ten days before the film's release, they took advantage of the time and pressurised the producers to change the name to Why Cheat India, leaving makers with no other choice," Emran told Millennium Post. What's the reason behind this change? "I have no idea. CBFC found the title misleading. They thought our film is showing India in the negative light. But why did they view the title devoid of the context of our film?" he questions.

"Cheat India actually reflects the flaws of the education system and so, the title was very apt. Once you will watch the movie, you will understand and in fact laugh at the stupidity of the situation. I still don't understand the reason behind it; maybe they were trying to cleanse the system through films. But anyway they aren't doing anything for the system which is in shambles. Changing the film's title is not the way of bringing positive changes to the system. It's of no use," says Emraan.

The film is produced by T-Series Films, Ellipsis Entertainment, and Emraan Hashmi Films.