The third installment of ‘Murder’ franchise ‘Murder 3’ has received a ‘U/A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification unlike its predecessors, which received an ‘A’ certificate.

The debutant director Vishesh Bhatt, son of filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, said that unlike the last two films in ‘Murder 3’ he has focused more on storyline rather than bold content.

“I feel bold necessarily does not mean sensual or sexual content. It means being bold on various counts like showing dramatic content, relevant and hard hitting topics. At Vishesh Films, we are not apologetic of what we are making," Vishesh told PTI.

“My intention is to have a good story. We have come up clean in the third installment of the series. We have got U/A certificate and it is for the first time that a film in Murder series has got it from Censor Board," he added.

The director is glad that the Censor Board saw his intent and awarded his movie a ‘U/A’ certificate.

“I am happy that the Censor Board saw my point of view and understood that I am trying to convey a good story," he said.

‘Murder’ that released in 2004 was directed by Anurag Basu. The film starred Emraan Hashmi, Mallika Sherawat and Ashmit Patel in lead roles. The erotic thriller went on to become a huge hit at the box-office.

‘Murder’ was followed by ‘Murder 2’ in 2011. The movie starred Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez. The movie helmed by Mohit Suri also went on to become a hit like its predecessor.

Both the movies received an ‘A’ certificate for their bold scenes.

When asked if it was a conscious decision to reduce bold content in ‘Murder 3’, the director said, "I did not deliberately set out to increase or decrease bold content in ‘Murder 3’. Whatever was required in the story, script we have just put that out in the film."

"I am not someone who would follow the trend and do things. I think people look for pleasant surprises when they watch a film," he added.

Vishesh Bhatt, who is making his debut with this movie under the banner Vishesh Films, said that he sees no reason for him to work for another banner other than his own.

“I don't feel the need to go outside Vishesh Films. As long as my story is getting told the way I want, I would be here (Vishesh Films) only. We at Bhatt camp have given a chance to many newcomers, given them the scope to perform. They have performed and done well," he said.

“I think why Emraan Hashmi, Mohit Suri, Bipasha Basu and others worked outside Bhatt camp was because of different reasons like - more money, creative satisfaction, etc,” he concluded.

‘Murder 3’ stars Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari and Pakistani actress Sara Loren in lead roles.

The movie will release a day after the Valentines Day on February 15.