New Delhi: Shahid Kapoor’s much-awaited ‘Udta Punjab’ is facing trouble in clearance at the Censor Board. The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has levied 40 cuts on the movie which prompted Anurag Kashyap (producer) to request the tribunal and I&B minister to intervene.
It was reported that the Censor Board denied a release certificate for “Udta Punjab”, citing "excessive swearing, abusive language and drug consumption" in its content. But the film's co-producer Anurag Kashyap put an end to the rumours surrounding the alleged ban on the film and asserted that "Udta Punjab" has not been banned.
Now, the latest reports suggest that a Censor Board committee has asked the "Udta Punjab" makers to remove all references to Punjab, politics and elections.
The movie, which is based on drug abuse in the state, was referred to a panel called the Revising Committee after the Censor Board refused to clear it for release without cuts because it features "excessive swearing."
The revising committee has banned "Punjab" from the title and wants the film to be set in a fictional land rather than in the state. In a review reportedly presided over by Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, the panel has recommended heavy cuts to temper the "reality" of the film.
“A screening for the tribunal was held last Friday. They watched the film and once done, told everyone that they will send their recommendations through a letter on Monday. But they verbally informed the director that they want the word Punjab dropped from the title. Not only that they also want the makers to remove any reference of the state in the film or cities thereof,” a source was quoted as saying by a leading entertainment portal.
The source, reportedly, further added that they clearly want to push the release to avoid any political backlash.
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“It is obviously politically motivated,” the source said.
Interestingly, Anurag Kashyap had lavished praises on CBFC when they let the trailer of Udta Punjab release without any cuts. He had tweeted:
“Pleasantly surprised and thankful to the CBFC for seeing the Udta Punjab trailer in the context and clearing it without a single cut. Big one. Having cursed the CBFC always for there overzealous attitude, must credit them where it’s due. Thank you Mr Nihalani, hoping it continues.”
"Udta Punjab" is slated for a June 17 release, but the film's issues with the censor board might push it ahead.
