Udta Punjab has been in the limelight before its release because of the battle between its makers and India’s central censor board over the certification of the movie.
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) had initially demanded 89 cuts in the upcoming film including references to Punjab, expletives, and drug scenes. Producer Anurag Kashyap was left with no choice but to approach the Bombay High Court. During a hearing held on Friday, the high court noted that people must be allowed to watch whatever they want on television or cinema as “everybody has a choice.” The high court also reminded CBFC that its job is to certify films, not to censor them.
Although the final verdict will be announced on Monday, the high court has hinted that it will allow Udta Punjab to be released with just one cut. Phantom films have agreed to remove the objectionable scene but will wait till the final verdict.
“We have offered disclaimers in three parts to the effect that movie doesn’t put any state in bad light. There’s no propagation for drug abuse, we condemn drug abuse. Let’s wait for Monday,” the lawyer for Udta Punjab makers was quoted as saying.
Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, “Udta Punjab” is a movie which delves into the drug menace of Punjab, which features Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in lead roles The film is slated to release on June 17.