Film on drug problem in Indian Punjab cleared but with cuts

The HC had on Friday said that the makers of “Udta Punjab” should tone down expletives and vulgar scenes as these alone can not make a film work.

Here’s what the Bombay High Court had to say: Word censor not found in the act.

“The claim of the producer that the board asked him to change the title of the film is false”, Nihalani said. The HC observed that the ban is found to be interfering with the creative freedom.

The counsel for the producer Phantom Films – one of whose owners is filmmaker Anurag Kashyap – and Balaji Motion Pictures – hailed the verdict as a victory for freedom of expression and democracy. “We will implement the order”, Mr Nihalani said.

Coming down heavily on the CBFC, the court asked it not to be overly critical.

While the CBFC at one point demanded 89 cuts in the film, its Revising Committee brought down the number to 13.

In a stinging observation against the Board, the court further noted, “If the movie (Udta Punjab) is glorifying use of drugs then ban the entire movie”. “These things are also happening in states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra”, Baljeet said.

UDTA PUNJAB is scheduled to release this Friday and the makers are likely to make the official announcement on the judgement and the release date very soon.

The stars of Udta Punjab, including Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor, as well as their friends in Bollywood have all expressed their excitement at the outcome.

“The film is meant for adult viewing”.

The film’s co-producer Anurag Kashyap welcomed the court ruling and said “our stand has been vindicated on the issue”.

He said: “Not every producer can afford excellent legal assistance like the producers of “Udta Punjab”, nor do they have the requisite strength to garner industry/media support”. “Udta Punjab” is not made keeping in mind the upcoming elections in Punjab or with any political propaganda”, it said.

The 43-year-old Bombay Velvet helmer, who was vocal in his criticism of censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, also thanked his fans for supporting the team.