The film is slated to release on June 17, but due to fresh controversies regarding the censorship, it seems the release of the film might be delayed.
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Nihalani’s allegation came on a day Amitabh Bachchan entered the debate in support of artistic creativity – “all I can say is that don’t kill creativity” – and Aamir Khan warned against filmmakers’ voice being “throttled”.
“I have a signed acknowledgment from Mr Nihalani’s office dated yesterday 7th June, which requests him to give us the official copy”.
National Award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal has praised Udta Punjab for showing a “real problem” in the state and he says contrary to perception the film does not portray Punjab in bad light. The High Court has adjourned the case until tomorrow awaiting an elaborate clarification from the Censor Board. “My best wishes to the team that it gets justice at the Tribunal”.
The Censor Board lawyer argued that the order of the Revising Committee suggesting 13 changes in the film was not arbitrary and the committee had applied its mind while making these suggestions.
When asked about the cuts suggested by Nihalani for the film, he said, “Totally unjustified”. Most films are sent for certification a week prior to release. They have alleged that Censor Board’s chief Pahlaj Nihalani is acting at the behest of government.
With the film scheduled for release in just over a week, Anurag Kashyap says he will fight the decision. People are fighting over freedom of speech and expression.
Kashyap said on Twitter, “There is no film more honest than “Udta Punjab”,” and that opponents of the film were promoting drugs. Kashyap said that he will not have to prove his dignity. Censorship authorities often order filmmakers – both Indian and foreign – to chop scenes deemed offensive.
Kashyap’s fresh post came hours after he along with other leading Bollywood celebrities held a joint press meet to express their anger towards board’s objections to certain portions of the film, which is based on substance abuse in North Punjab and its effect on youth. The makers of the film addressed the controversy surrounding the film and how the cuts ordered will completely destroy the entire film. Modi’s government appointed Nihalini as the censor board chief previous year.
Here are some of the comments made by noted members of the film fraternity.
Political parties are also trying to fish in troubled water with the aim to garner political support as Assembly poll is scheduled next year in the State.
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What Nihalani is doing here is trying to iron out the gravity of the issue by simply neglecting the reality and expecting the prospective audience to buy this inane proposition of the film maligning the image of the state.
