New Delhi: The Bombay High Court on Monday allowed the release of the ‘controversial’ movie Udta Punjab with just one cut and three disclaimers.
The verdict has come as a major relief for the film producers who had knocked on the court’s door after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) provided an ‘A’ certificate to the movie along with 89 cuts.
The CBFC, headed by Pahalaj Nihlani, had also reportedly asked the filmmakers to drop Punjab from the title as well remove references to the state, election and party wherever they appear in the movie.
Udta Punjab’s co-producer Anurag Kashyap had criticised the Board’s decision in strong words and compared Nihlani’s working to dictatorship in North Korea. The ‘Black Friday’ director had received the support from the entire film fraternity including ace directors and actors.
Today, as the High Court has ruled most points in favour of ‘Udta Punjab’, the film fraternity is delighted to the core and has termed the verdict as historic.
CBFC proposes, court disposes: ‘Absurd’ cuts in Udta Punjab overruled by Bombay HC
While coproducer Anurag Kashyap has thanked the judges for the decision, the star cast of the movie (Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh) too have expressed their extreme pleasure over the court’s order.
Here’s a look at who said what on Bombay High Court’s ‘one cut’ judgment.
1. Abhishek Chaubey (Director of Udta Punjab): Massively relieved today, looking to release the film on the scheduled date.
2. Anurag Srivastav (CEO CBFC): We will respect and act in compliance with the Bombay HC's order. It is not a setback. We have been trying to follow the act, the rules and the guidelines.
3. Anurag Kashyap (Co-producer of Udta Punjab): Thank you To the honourable Judge, thank you all for the faith and support.. Time to get back to work.. Two back to back releases.
4. Madhu Mantena Verma, (Co-producer of Udta Punjab): A judgement for the whole film industry not just us, its awesome.
5. Mahesh Bhatt: If we can dream it we can do it. Congratulations IFDA and the Film Producers Guild for spearheading this 'fight'!
6. Alia Bhatt: And finally #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here's to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!!
7. Shahid Kapoor: Landmark judgement#UdtaPunjab will fly and so will the voice of freedom and expression. Thank you all for the support. This is your victory.
8. Diljit Dosanjh: Shukar Shukar
https://twitter.com/diljitdosanjh/status/742307520388026368
9. Satish Kaushik: Congrats to # Udta Punjab team for d landmark judgement of Hon.High Court in their favour. Doors of freedom for filmmakers are open now.
10. Ashoke Pandit: I applaud all the brilliant observations made by the Court where it speaks about the FOE of a filmmaker.#UdtaPunjabVerdict.
11. Dia Mirza: The triumph of #UdtaPunjab is the victory of #Democracy. And a victory for the spirit that does not give in or give up.
12. Madhur Bhandarkar: This is a landmark judgment for all film makers. The verdict is a game changer.
Notably, the Mumbai High Court has ordered the Censor Board to provide fresh certification to ‘Udta Punjab’ within 48 hours. Helmed by Abhishek Chaubey, the movie is slated to hit the screens on June 17.
