However, Bollywood celebrities like Arjun Kapoor, Vikram Bhatt, Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar among others have extended their support to ‘Udta Punjab’. Apparently, the film has been awarded 89 cuts by the Censor Board for its portrayal of substance abuse set against the backdrop of Punjab.
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Amidst the tussle between Udta Punjab makers and the censor board, the moviegoers say the issue is serious and people should decide what to watch and what not to. But, the government, as well as CBFC, thinks that this will show the state in the bad light and will turn out disastrous. I never said Udta Punjab shouldn’t release in Punjab. The entire impact of the film depends on the drug menace that grips Punjab.
Punjab has a crippling drug problem.
The CBFC a year ago blocked the release of a toned-down version of “Fifty Shades of Grey” and deemed two James Bond kissing scenes unsuitable for an Indian audience.
Punjab BJP chief and union minister Vijay Sampla hailed the move of the Censor Board and any attempt to defame Punjab, which is a foodbowl of the country, should be dealt with sternly.
The revising committee had recently viewed film “Udta Punjab” and suggested 13 changes to be made by the filmmakers besides removing the reference to Punjab state in the film.
But India’s film certification board has ordered its makers to remove all references to the state of Punjab, politics, politicians and elections before it can be screened. “The government must accept the reality and find solutions”, Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet. “Pahlaj Nihalani’s statement makes it amply clear that he has stopped the film on BJP’s instructions”, Kejriwal wrote on Twitter. Speaking at the launch of “24” season 2, the actor said, “It’s very unfortunate”. Many Bollywood personalities have strongly backed the film and called for the removal of Pahlaj Nihalani.
Pandit slammed Nihalani and asked him to apologise for claiming that Kashyap was using the film at the behest of the Aam Aadmi Party . We all know till what extent the drug problem exists in Punjab.
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Helmed by Abhishek Choubey, Udta Punjab stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in lead roles.
