The producers of Bollywood film Udta Punjab are likely to move court against the Revising Committee of Central Board of Film Certification ruling which has allegedly asked them to remove all references to Punjab from the film, except for in the title. The panel has not given producers anything in writing. The film cannot be sent to the next level of certification, the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, unless it has a formal copy of the suggestions.
The committee has also asked the film makers to get rid of any reference to politics and elections, besides suggesting around 89 cuts in the Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor starrer. The cuts include expletives and visual substance abuse, among others. Phantom films and Balaji Telefilms have produced the film.
The producers of the film are planning to move Bombay High Court against the panel's verdict. The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal has raised objection to the film and its depiction the state's drug problem. Media reports have suggested that the Board's refusal to give certification to the film is politically motivated, given that Punjab will hold Assembly elections in February 2017.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!