Mumbai: The makers of "Udta Punjab" have decided to release the film worldwide on June 17 after the Bombay High Court cleared the film for release with one cut and three disclaimers.
"The verdict has been fantastic for all of us. It has been wonderful for the country and it shows that there is freedom of expression and we want to announce that 'Udta Punjab' is coming on June 17," the film's co-producer Vikas Bahl told reporters during the press conference of "Udta Punjab" on Tuesday.
The film's actor Shahid Kapoor said that he is "extremely proud with whatever happened yesterday (Monday)".
"This shows there is freedom of expression, but we need to be responsible and it's a nice balance," he added.
His co-star Alia Bhatt is delighted with the verdict. She said:
"When I heard about the cuts, I questioned why and how because I was not able to understand. I am a director's daughter and I know what a director goes through. I was so delighted by the verdict yesterday."
Talking about CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, the film's co-producer Anurag Kashyap said:
Udta Punjab row: Know who said what on Bombay HC’s ‘one cut’ judgement!
"If he goes, who will come? And whoever comes in, how will they interpret the system? First Pahlaj should be replaced and the biggest thing what I feel is that an actor like Shahid came out of his comfort zone to do this film. Because of such things, they will not have the courage to do a film like this. This is important for us."
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday ordered a special screening of "Udta Punjab" to decide if it was appropriate for public exhibition, even as the Bombay High Court cleared the movie with just one cut and an `A’ certificate.
Reacting to this, Kashyap said:
"They will view the film today (Tuesday) and what will happen we will know after that."
Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, "Udta Punjab" also features Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.
