His much-awaited real-life drama, based on the real shoot-out in Mumbai in 1991, has been cleared by the censors - without any cuts.

Speaking after getting the censor certificate on Tuesday afternoon Gupta said, "We expected a lot of opposition and requests for cuts considering the violent nature of the content. To my director Apoorva Lakhia and my surprise, the censor-board members loved the film and thought any cut would impede the fast narrative flow. They also told me not to go for a UA but a straight U. I'm in a state of pleasant shock."

With the censor clearing, Shootout At Lokhandwala is slatted for a 25 May release.