India censors: ‘Jungle Book’ too scary for kids to see alone

Ritesh Rajan, from left, Giancarlo Esposito, Lupita Nyong'o, Neel Sethi and Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau arrive at the premiere of "The Jungle Book" at the El Capitan Theatre on Monday, April 4, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP)

NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s censor board is requiring parents to accompany children under 12 at screenings of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” because the special effects made its animals too scary.

The movie opens in Indian theaters on Friday. It’s a computer-generated remake of the 1967 animated film that was based on Rudyard Kipling’s book.

Censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalini justified the restriction by saying the 3D effects were scary as the animals seem to jump right at the audience.

The decision hasn’t gone well with many. Bollywood producer Mukesh Bhatt said it was a shame on the country if a film like “The Jungle Book” was given the “U/A” certificate.

The film will be released in the United States with a PG rating, meaning parental guidance is suggested because of some scary scenes.