New Delhi: Udta Punjab producers Vikas Bahl and Anurag Kashyap on Wednesday moved the Bombay High Court seeking a copy of the order of the CBFC Review Committee report which recommended the ‘cuts’ in their film ‘Udta Punjab’.
The matter was heard in court today and has been posted for hearing again tomorrow after the producers said they wished to revise their plea in view of the fresh developments. As per fresh reports, the plea was sought to be revised as the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) provided an ‘A’ certificate to the movie along with 13 suggestions.
Removing reference to Punjab, excessive cuss words, close up shots of injecting the drugs, are some of the 13 cuts suggested by the Censor Board.
Kashyap’s lawyer informed court that they wished to revise their application as they had received the letter from the Censor Board only today. A fresh plea will be filed in court tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the film fraternity came out strongly in solidarity with the team of Udta Punjab. At a press conference organized a short while ago, Anurag, did not go down easy on CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani. “What has changed so drastically in the past two years that every film needs to approach the tribunal for clearance,” he said, referring to Nihlani, who assumed charges as the chairman of the board in January 2015.
When asked to respond to Pahlaj’s allegations that Anurag took money from AAP to make the film, Anurag said, “I feel ashamed in even defending myself on such an allegation.”
Censor Board, politics & Punjab: Know all about ‘Udta Punjab’ controversy
Other filmmakers too voiced their disappointment in Pahlaj’s utterances and demanded an apology. “I appeal to the Ministry (I&B) to remove Pahlaj Nihalani, he doesn't deserve to be the CBFC chief,” said producer Mukesh Bhatt, adding that Nihlani is a man from within the industry and understands the procedures involved in the release of the film.
Kashyap said the board was indulging in arm-twisting tactics to force the filmmakers to accept the cuts recommended. “They are bullying us. They delay things to an extent where the release of the film is close and the filmmaker is left with no choice but to accept what they (CBFC) want in view of the financial obligations,” he said, adding that there was no logic behind suggesting cuts when the film has already been given an ‘A’ certificate.
When asked what is the release status of ‘Udta Punjab’, Kashyap said, “That is not my decision. We are trying our very best to release the movie on June 17.” He further added that he is disappointed with the response of I&B ministry over the issue.
Notably, the Censor Board had declined to provide a release certificate to Udta Punjab citing the use of excessive “cuss words” and depiction of “drugs consumption” and had levied 40 cuts in the movie.
When the movie reached the board’s revising committee, it further suggested 81 cuts and asked the makers to remove all references about Punjab, politics and elections from the movie.
Kashyap then took to social media and blamed Censor Board Chief Pahlaj Nihlani for behaving like a dictator wherein the board where members have no voice.
Helmed by Abhishek Choubey, Udta Punjab stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in lead roles.
The movie is slated to hit the screens on June 17.
