Mumbai, Sep 17 (IANS): Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has lashed out at the Bhatt camp of Bollywood, saying accusing the censor board ahead of the release of their films has become a "marketing tool" of sorts for them.

Recently, Vikram Bhatt had claimed the CBFC had told him to cut down the usage of the 'F' word from 32 to 16 in his latest horror film -- the name of which Nihalani didn't want to be mentioned as it would give it publicity.

Alleging inconsistency on the CBFC's part, Bhatt also said the trailer, which was given a 'U/A' rating for theatres, was given an 'A' rating for television.

But Nihalani is unimpressed and unprovoked.

"Every time the Bhatts, and I include Vikram Bhatt among them, have a release around the corner, they target the CBFC and me for publicity. The censor board has become a marketing tool for them, specially when their releases are not generating much interest among audiences," Nihalani said.

"Tell me, why should the CBFC provide free publicity for the Bhatts or anyone else? This is exactly what they want. First lash out at the CBFC, and then watch us as we get provoked.

"Seriously, I am not bothered with how many kisses are there or not there in Vikram Bhatt's films," he added.