Showing posts with label Virsa Singh Valtoha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virsa Singh Valtoha. Show all posts
Will Udta Punjab miss it's release date?
8:08 AM
Mohar Basu and Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; June 8, 2016)
With exactly nine days to go
before release, speculations are its rife that the release of Udta
Punjab could be deferred. The revising committee of the Censor Board of
Film Certification (CBFC) has recommended 89 cuts as the film reportedly
has plenty of expletives and also shows the lead actor, Shahid Kapoor
indulging in drugs. The revising committee has also suggested that the
word 'Punjab' be removed from the title and the film should be based in a
fictional land. With the ongoing battle between the makers and the Censor Board, the most pertinent
question here is will the film release on its scheduled date - June 17.
Though CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani remained unavailable for comment, a source from the Censor Board, who didn't wish to be named, said, “In his last interview to BT (dated May 29, 2016), didn't Pahlaj Nihalani say that the CBFC's decisions aren't based on interests of any political parties? Any report from the revising committee is based on his judgement of the movie. In this case, it is not the Punjab government's political agenda as we are certain they haven't asked for the film's title to be changed.“ While no one from Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films (the producers of the film), was willing to go on record, a source from the production team tells us that they were supposed to approach the Tribunal along with the CBFC's revising committee's order on Tuesday afternoon.
Vis-à-vis the 89 cuts recommended by the Censor Board, a source from the production house further added, “We understand if a few abusive words or a scene showing an actor consuming drugs is edited. But we don't agree with quite a few cuts and certainly not with the removal of 'Punjab' from the movie's title. It has been announced about a year ago and the promotions have been going on for over a month. So, it's ridiculous for anyone to suggest changing the title barely two weeks before release.“
A source from the examining commitee, which first saw the film, says they had recommended lesser cuts than the revising committee. The source added, “The Censor Board has not asked to remove 'Punjab' from the title. A couple of committee members had objections to the line: 'Punjab ki bhoomi banjar, Punjab ke puttar kanjar', which could be percieved as derogatory to the people of the state.“
The controversy started when the ruling party of Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal, reportedly objected to the film's title and the negative portrayal of the state. However, the party's MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha denied the allegations and said, “We have nothing to do with this controversy. I don't understand why our party is being dragged into this. We have never asked to remove the word 'Punjab' from the film's title. If a film is enlightening the society, we welcome it and would request people to watch it. Even the people of Punjab are intelligent; if there is something objectionable, they will know it is a tactic to defame the state.“
Udta Punjab's tussle with the CBFC is grabbing eyeballs primarily because it is happening just a month after the Shyam Benegal-led panel submitted its recommendations to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. One of the most crucial points raised by the panel was that films shouldn't be cen sored but only graded vis-à vis the target audience.
Benegal reiterated the same point in the light of this issue, too and said, “It wouldn't be fair of me to comment without seeing the film. I will watch it this evening and then will be in a better position to comment.“ In lieu of this, if the tribunal gives its order on Thursday, then the makers will have to execute the changes and submit the final copy for certification. Given that the Board has the weekend off, if the certificate doesn't come in by Friday evening, the makers will be pressed for time as they will need to dispatch the final prints on Monday night.
Till the time of going to press, the panel had not given the producers anything in writing. The movie cannot be sent to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), unless it has a formal copy of the suggestions. Shazia Ilmi, who is one of the members of FCAT tells us that the makers are yet to file a plea. “It has to be done through a lawyer. Since one of my colleagues Justice Mahajan is abroad, this could take a while. However, our stance stays the same. What's the point of cutting a film after giving it an 'A' certificate? I am a filmmaker, too, and I understand the sensibilities of cinema. We can assure the filmmakers that a wise decision will be taken on this issue. If there are appropriate disclaimers in place, I don't see a reason why there should be a problem.“
When probed on whether the film could be delayed owing to this, she said that can be decided only after the Tribunal has watched it. In most cases, it has been seen that the Appellate has cleared films that have been stuck for various reasons. However, the makers of Udta Punjab are fighting a race against time, as the release of the film is round the corner. The only hope for them right now is that the Appellate passes the verdict by the end of this week. Whether the film will release with the original title remains to be seen. And no matter how this turns out, the film will always be etched in the minds of people as Udta Punjab.
FILMMAKERS ARE ALWAYS WORRIED WHILE MAKING FILMS ON REAL ISSUES
When I made Madras Cafe, I didn't have problems with the Censor Board
because there was a different team at that time. I did face problems in
releasing the film in Tamil Nadu because it was about the Tamil issue
between Sri Lanka and India. In Tamil Nadu, the film didn't release at
all. I think the Board has to move on. Cinema and people's minds have
grown. I think news channels are much more dangerous than
cinema. As filmmakers, we are always worried if we have films on real issues. Look at the US in every second film, they take the name of the
US president and talk about what's right and wrong. They name the
agencies or the cities. There are many other crass things that the
censors need to stop, instead of films on burning issues. Do we stop
making realistic films?
-Shoojit Sircar, director, Madras Cafe
UDTA PUNJAB PROJECTS A REALITY WHICH IS OUT IN THE OPEN
There are no CBFC guidelines saying you can't use the name of a city or
state. You can't run away from reality. Do you really think the
audience is so silly that removing 'Punjab' means they'll think it's
some fictional land? If you make it 'Udta Timbuktu,' will people think
the film is not about Punjab but Timbuktu? Udta Punjab is projecting a
reality which is out in the open. Last year, I was shooting for
Bajrangi Bhaijaan in Punjab and everyone was talking about the
seriousness of the drug issue in the state. People are discussing it
everywhere. You can't just dig a hole like an ostrich and believe no one
can see you.
-Kabir Khan, filmmaker
Though CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani remained unavailable for comment, a source from the Censor Board, who didn't wish to be named, said, “In his last interview to BT (dated May 29, 2016), didn't Pahlaj Nihalani say that the CBFC's decisions aren't based on interests of any political parties? Any report from the revising committee is based on his judgement of the movie. In this case, it is not the Punjab government's political agenda as we are certain they haven't asked for the film's title to be changed.“ While no one from Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films (the producers of the film), was willing to go on record, a source from the production team tells us that they were supposed to approach the Tribunal along with the CBFC's revising committee's order on Tuesday afternoon.
Vis-à-vis the 89 cuts recommended by the Censor Board, a source from the production house further added, “We understand if a few abusive words or a scene showing an actor consuming drugs is edited. But we don't agree with quite a few cuts and certainly not with the removal of 'Punjab' from the movie's title. It has been announced about a year ago and the promotions have been going on for over a month. So, it's ridiculous for anyone to suggest changing the title barely two weeks before release.“
A source from the examining commitee, which first saw the film, says they had recommended lesser cuts than the revising committee. The source added, “The Censor Board has not asked to remove 'Punjab' from the title. A couple of committee members had objections to the line: 'Punjab ki bhoomi banjar, Punjab ke puttar kanjar', which could be percieved as derogatory to the people of the state.“
The controversy started when the ruling party of Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal, reportedly objected to the film's title and the negative portrayal of the state. However, the party's MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha denied the allegations and said, “We have nothing to do with this controversy. I don't understand why our party is being dragged into this. We have never asked to remove the word 'Punjab' from the film's title. If a film is enlightening the society, we welcome it and would request people to watch it. Even the people of Punjab are intelligent; if there is something objectionable, they will know it is a tactic to defame the state.“
Udta Punjab's tussle with the CBFC is grabbing eyeballs primarily because it is happening just a month after the Shyam Benegal-led panel submitted its recommendations to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. One of the most crucial points raised by the panel was that films shouldn't be cen sored but only graded vis-à vis the target audience.
Benegal reiterated the same point in the light of this issue, too and said, “It wouldn't be fair of me to comment without seeing the film. I will watch it this evening and then will be in a better position to comment.“ In lieu of this, if the tribunal gives its order on Thursday, then the makers will have to execute the changes and submit the final copy for certification. Given that the Board has the weekend off, if the certificate doesn't come in by Friday evening, the makers will be pressed for time as they will need to dispatch the final prints on Monday night.
Till the time of going to press, the panel had not given the producers anything in writing. The movie cannot be sent to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), unless it has a formal copy of the suggestions. Shazia Ilmi, who is one of the members of FCAT tells us that the makers are yet to file a plea. “It has to be done through a lawyer. Since one of my colleagues Justice Mahajan is abroad, this could take a while. However, our stance stays the same. What's the point of cutting a film after giving it an 'A' certificate? I am a filmmaker, too, and I understand the sensibilities of cinema. We can assure the filmmakers that a wise decision will be taken on this issue. If there are appropriate disclaimers in place, I don't see a reason why there should be a problem.“
When probed on whether the film could be delayed owing to this, she said that can be decided only after the Tribunal has watched it. In most cases, it has been seen that the Appellate has cleared films that have been stuck for various reasons. However, the makers of Udta Punjab are fighting a race against time, as the release of the film is round the corner. The only hope for them right now is that the Appellate passes the verdict by the end of this week. Whether the film will release with the original title remains to be seen. And no matter how this turns out, the film will always be etched in the minds of people as Udta Punjab.
FILMMAKERS ARE ALWAYS WORRIED WHILE MAKING FILMS ON REAL ISSUES
-Shoojit Sircar, director, Madras Cafe
UDTA PUNJAB PROJECTS A REALITY WHICH IS OUT IN THE OPEN
There are no CBFC guidelines saying you can't use the name of a city or
state. You can't run away from reality. Do you really think the
audience is so silly that removing 'Punjab' means they'll think it's
some fictional land? If you make it 'Udta Timbuktu,' will people think
the film is not about Punjab but Timbuktu? Udta Punjab is projecting a
reality which is out in the open. Last year, I was shooting for
Bajrangi Bhaijaan in Punjab and everyone was talking about the
seriousness of the drug issue in the state. People are discussing it
everywhere. You can't just dig a hole like an ostrich and believe no one
can see you.-Kabir Khan, filmmaker
Censor board clips wings of Udta Punjab; makers to move High Court
8:14 AM
Remove Punjab From Title, Makers Told
Rohan Dua (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 7, 2016)
A huge political battle has
broken out between SAD-BJP alliance government and the opposition after
the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) on Monday asked the
producers to drop 'Punjab' from the title of the film 'Udta Punjab'.
This is the second time that the film has left the board queasy. On May
26 it had objected the excessive use of profanities in the film and
sought 89 cuts to give it a 'U/A' certificate.
While CBFC member Ashoke Pandit criticised his own colleagues for “embarking on dangerous territory of hemming creative freedom“, AAP and Congress slammed the government for being behind the “censorship move“. With assembly elections in January 2017 in Punjab and drugs being an extremely sensitive political subject, politicians seem divided on the impact the film can have on the polls. The film's producer Anurag Kashyap said in Mumbai that “if any film is changed slightly, it is Qatl-e-Aam of it. No filmmaker wants to have cuts and leave it at that.“
“The Akali Dal knows the movie with big stars like Shahid and Kareena will put drugs in the centre stage of the political debate ahead of polls. So first, they tried to politely use censorship by pressurising the filmmakers to remove abuses from the script and then this... We will take this issue to Parliament and not allow this move,“ said Partap Bajwa, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former state party chief.
SAD, however, maintained that it would welcome the movie screening as long as the Punjabi community was not defamed. “We have got no control over such decisions. As we said in the past, we will continue to welcome this movie as long as no party or the Punjab community is slammed. If the film is about a societal issue, only then we welcome it,“ said SAD MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha from Amritsar.
Pandit, who was not part of the film's screening team, said the film-makers have no option but to first approach the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) and then the SC. “I don't know whether there is political pressure behind this decision, but I can say it's a rank undemocratic move by the review committee. Haven't we had movies like 'Bombay' and 'Mission Kashmir' before? Someone needs to stand up against the symptomatic harassment and attempts to curb freedom of expression,“ said Pandit.
“It's very absurd that the trailer of the film was cleared for release by the censors but not the film. This is a joke and I want to know what Shyam Benegal has to say and all the promises that were made. If the state government or a political party has a problem, let them go to the court. Why should a statutory board get into this? How can you question the integrity of a serious issue based film instead of sorting the drug problem in Punjab?“ he asked.
Actor and AAP worker Gul Panag, who belongs to Punjab, said that it was strange that CBFC was trying to censor things that are already in public domain. “Besides creative freedom should never be impinged, when its delivering a social message,“ said Panag.
---------------------------
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 7, 2016)
While CBFC member Ashoke Pandit criticised his own colleagues for “embarking on dangerous territory of hemming creative freedom“, AAP and Congress slammed the government for being behind the “censorship move“. With assembly elections in January 2017 in Punjab and drugs being an extremely sensitive political subject, politicians seem divided on the impact the film can have on the polls. The film's producer Anurag Kashyap said in Mumbai that “if any film is changed slightly, it is Qatl-e-Aam of it. No filmmaker wants to have cuts and leave it at that.“
“The Akali Dal knows the movie with big stars like Shahid and Kareena will put drugs in the centre stage of the political debate ahead of polls. So first, they tried to politely use censorship by pressurising the filmmakers to remove abuses from the script and then this... We will take this issue to Parliament and not allow this move,“ said Partap Bajwa, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former state party chief.
SAD, however, maintained that it would welcome the movie screening as long as the Punjabi community was not defamed. “We have got no control over such decisions. As we said in the past, we will continue to welcome this movie as long as no party or the Punjab community is slammed. If the film is about a societal issue, only then we welcome it,“ said SAD MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha from Amritsar.
Pandit, who was not part of the film's screening team, said the film-makers have no option but to first approach the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) and then the SC. “I don't know whether there is political pressure behind this decision, but I can say it's a rank undemocratic move by the review committee. Haven't we had movies like 'Bombay' and 'Mission Kashmir' before? Someone needs to stand up against the symptomatic harassment and attempts to curb freedom of expression,“ said Pandit.
“It's very absurd that the trailer of the film was cleared for release by the censors but not the film. This is a joke and I want to know what Shyam Benegal has to say and all the promises that were made. If the state government or a political party has a problem, let them go to the court. Why should a statutory board get into this? How can you question the integrity of a serious issue based film instead of sorting the drug problem in Punjab?“ he asked.
Actor and AAP worker Gul Panag, who belongs to Punjab, said that it was strange that CBFC was trying to censor things that are already in public domain. “Besides creative freedom should never be impinged, when its delivering a social message,“ said Panag.
---------------------------
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 7, 2016)
Could this be the last time
we call Abhishek Chaubey's widely talked about drug-drama by its
original title, Udta Punjab? After the film was referred to the Revising
Committee that upheld the Censor Board's recommendation of 89 cuts on
Friday because of “excessive swearing and extreme visuals", adding that
“Punjab“ be dropped from the title and the story be set in a fictional
land instead, the makers have decided to put their foot down and fight
it out in the High Court.
“It is all hearsay. We haven't received an official letter from either the Revising Committee or the I&B Ministry, whom we have already apprised of the situation. We will release the film on the original date, June 17. This is something we have stood by since the beginning,“ one of the film's producers informed Mirror. The review screening, after which it was also suggested that apart from the title, all mentions of the state be removed from the film, was reportedly presided over by Censor Board of Film Certification chief Pahlaj Nihalani.
Meanwhile, Punjab's ruling party Akali Dal, led by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son, Sukhbir Badal, have raised strong objections to the film's title and narrative. The state government is routinely targeted by Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for the growing drug menace in the region. The opposition parties have made it clear that it will also be the top issue in their election campaign. The movie features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh and is produced by Phantom Films and Ekta Kapoor-led Balaji Films.
A source from within the Censor Board informed, “Shyam Benegal's committee report also says the same thing: controversial-gory plotlines should either be released with an 'A' certificate with no cuts, or be banned entirely because cinema does not deserve to be scissored so the makers may have to succumb to pressure in a bid to salvage their film.“
Before the film's team met on Monday evening to plan their next move, reports claimed that they had already decided to knock off “Punjab“ from the title as well as from certain portions from the film.
---------------------------
Reports that the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal might have asked makers of Udta Punjab to drop Punjab from the title spark angry as well as hilarious reactions from netizens
MID-DAY (June 7, 2016)
After being asked to effect nearly 40 cuts in Udta Punjab, the makers had knocked on the doors of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) hoping for some respite. However, amidst reports that the tribunal has suggested that ‘Punjab’ be dropped from the film’s title, social media went berserk with reactions that ranged from angry to hilarious. While the makers are tightlipped about any such development, sources close to the film say that they are awaiting an official communication regarding the same. The film deals with rampant drug abuse in the northern state.
The film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh was slated to hit theatres on June 17. However, given the censor issues, the release date is likely to be delayed by two weeks or perhaps, more. Interestingly, Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit posted a series of tweets that read, “I as a filmmaker & a citizen of this country condemn d act of asking the producers 2 remove d word ‘Punjab’ from the film. I question the intelligence of the committee which has given this judgement of removing the word ‘Punjab’ from #UdtaPunjab. I as a #CBFC member appeal to the #Chairman to take a call as a filmmaker & protect the FOE of a filmmaker (sic).”
Bollywood folk also joined the debate on Twitter and slammed the alleged decision to change the title. The sarcasm in Ram Gopal Varma’s post was hard to miss as he wrote, “For what it actually represents Udta Punjab Is diminutive.. A more truthful and righteous title would be Udta India or Udta World.” Shirish Kunder tweeted: “You may feel it’s not fair to remove Punjab from Udta Punjab. But wait till Maneka Gandhi tells to remove Tommy from Tommy Singh (name of Shahid’s character)." A large number of netizens seemed outraged and made their disgust as well as frustration obvious through their comments on social media.
Aisi Taisi Democracy posted a tongue- in- cheek tweet: “No drug problem in Punjab No caste problem in India No gun problem in US No dictator problem in N. Korea No denial problem on this planet.”
Twitter user Priya Adivarekar wrote: “Demanding multiple cuts, deleting the main track & other elements. What do you want Udta Punjab to be in the end? A Snapchat video? #Unfair (sic).”
“It is all hearsay. We haven't received an official letter from either the Revising Committee or the I&B Ministry, whom we have already apprised of the situation. We will release the film on the original date, June 17. This is something we have stood by since the beginning,“ one of the film's producers informed Mirror. The review screening, after which it was also suggested that apart from the title, all mentions of the state be removed from the film, was reportedly presided over by Censor Board of Film Certification chief Pahlaj Nihalani.
Meanwhile, Punjab's ruling party Akali Dal, led by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son, Sukhbir Badal, have raised strong objections to the film's title and narrative. The state government is routinely targeted by Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for the growing drug menace in the region. The opposition parties have made it clear that it will also be the top issue in their election campaign. The movie features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh and is produced by Phantom Films and Ekta Kapoor-led Balaji Films.
A source from within the Censor Board informed, “Shyam Benegal's committee report also says the same thing: controversial-gory plotlines should either be released with an 'A' certificate with no cuts, or be banned entirely because cinema does not deserve to be scissored so the makers may have to succumb to pressure in a bid to salvage their film.“
Before the film's team met on Monday evening to plan their next move, reports claimed that they had already decided to knock off “Punjab“ from the title as well as from certain portions from the film.
---------------------------
Reports that the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal might have asked makers of Udta Punjab to drop Punjab from the title spark angry as well as hilarious reactions from netizens
MID-DAY (June 7, 2016)
After being asked to effect nearly 40 cuts in Udta Punjab, the makers had knocked on the doors of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) hoping for some respite. However, amidst reports that the tribunal has suggested that ‘Punjab’ be dropped from the film’s title, social media went berserk with reactions that ranged from angry to hilarious. While the makers are tightlipped about any such development, sources close to the film say that they are awaiting an official communication regarding the same. The film deals with rampant drug abuse in the northern state.
The film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh was slated to hit theatres on June 17. However, given the censor issues, the release date is likely to be delayed by two weeks or perhaps, more. Interestingly, Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit posted a series of tweets that read, “I as a filmmaker & a citizen of this country condemn d act of asking the producers 2 remove d word ‘Punjab’ from the film. I question the intelligence of the committee which has given this judgement of removing the word ‘Punjab’ from #UdtaPunjab. I as a #CBFC member appeal to the #Chairman to take a call as a filmmaker & protect the FOE of a filmmaker (sic).”
Bollywood folk also joined the debate on Twitter and slammed the alleged decision to change the title. The sarcasm in Ram Gopal Varma’s post was hard to miss as he wrote, “For what it actually represents Udta Punjab Is diminutive.. A more truthful and righteous title would be Udta India or Udta World.” Shirish Kunder tweeted: “You may feel it’s not fair to remove Punjab from Udta Punjab. But wait till Maneka Gandhi tells to remove Tommy from Tommy Singh (name of Shahid’s character)." A large number of netizens seemed outraged and made their disgust as well as frustration obvious through their comments on social media.
Aisi Taisi Democracy posted a tongue- in- cheek tweet: “No drug problem in Punjab No caste problem in India No gun problem in US No dictator problem in N. Korea No denial problem on this planet.”
Twitter user Priya Adivarekar wrote: “Demanding multiple cuts, deleting the main track & other elements. What do you want Udta Punjab to be in the end? A Snapchat video? #Unfair (sic).”
Who is 'banning' Udta Punjab? An analysis...
8:24 AM
Mohar Basu and Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; May 29, 2016)
So who is banning Udta Punjab? Apparently, no one. It seems that the news of this film being banned is probably just udti hui khabar. After social media went on a tirade against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for 'banning' the film, Bombay Times probed into the issue. It is said that when the film was seen by he members of the Examining Committee, they unanimously agreed to give it an 'A' certificate and suggested 8 cuts. Ever since the film's trailer released, its explosive content became the topic of discussion. While a section of moviegoers couldn't stop raving about its trippy trailer, the excessive use of expletives and the subject of drug abuse in Punjab incurred the wrath of certain quarters.
On talking to Pahlaj Nihalani, CBFC chairperson, for his version, he revealed, “We have not recommended any cuts. Yes, the Examining Committee had a few reservations and couldn't come to a consensus on the film, because of which they suggested that the makers take the film to the Revising Committee. However, the makers decided to move to the Tribunal instead, which is absolutely their call. Our decisions at the CBFC are not based on what a certain political group has to say about a movie. There is no ban from our end. We aren't authorised to ban a movie; we can pass it or reject it.“
Ashoke Pandit, a member of the CBFC, said, “I have no idea why the Examining Committee has asked for the cuts in the first place, considering the panel, led by Shyam Benegal, has categorically made scathing remarks against censorship.“
Ashoke adds, “But looking at it logically, I feel that these are just fabricated news based on presumptions. If the CBFC had cleared the trailer of the film that had enough gaalis and showed everything the film wanted to say, why would they ban it now? The CBFC has a system in place, which every film has to pass to be able to get certified. If the trailer that was released was honest and effective, even the film wouldn't be compromised on.“
The movie will be watched by the Appellate Tribunal Committee this week, and there is hope that they will exercise fair judgement. When BT contacted the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Rathore, he assured that there won't be any prejudice. “Our office is still not a party to this issue. The CBFC has recommended revisions and if the makers have any problem with the decision of the Tribunal, then we will intervene,“ he said.
It was reported that members of Shiromani Akali Dal, the ruling party of Punjab, felt that the film is portraying their state in a bad light. It was also said that the Censor Board refused certification to the film not purely for the explosive content, but due to political reasons. When asked about the supposed ban of the film in Punjab, Virsa Singh Valtoha, an MLA of the party, said, “The problem of substance abuse is not exclusive to Punjab. To target one particular state amounts to defamation. We don't have any issue with the film and we've never asked for a ban. So far, we've not even watched the movie and we don't plan to do it. If there is any film which holds a mirror to the evils in society, we welcome it. We are just being accused of something that we haven't done. From our side, there is no political agenda of banning the film at all.“
Meanwhile, the film's director Abhishek Chaubey and producers are maintaining a strict 'no comments' stance. However, they are definitely hopeful. At the music launch of the film, one of the producers of Udta Punjab, Vikas Bahl had said, “We would insist the Board to give us an adult certificate. This film has been made for a certain age group and above that. There seems to be fluctuations in some of the decisions of the CBFC, but I think that is just a process. I personally think that the CBFC is coming to a point where, after some time, people will feel that some decisions taken by them are justified. This film is an adult film. We should get an adult certificate. I think everything, if seen in the right context, will get the right judgement.“
Director Rahul Dholakia tweeted on this controversy, “Censor censor on the wall, who's the fairest of them all.“ Well, let's hope the film gets treated fairly all the way.
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