Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films, the producers of Udta Punjab, have moved the Bombay High Court demanding that the Central Board of Film Certification submit its numerous objections to the narcotics drama in writing. The producers want the Adult-rated film to be passed uncut, and the matter will be heard on Thursday.
If the idea was to force the CBFC’s hand and place before the public its demands that all references to Punjab be excised from the film, it has worked beautifully. Here is a copy of the document submitted by the CBFC to the Bombay High Court. Among the many objections, the most absurd has to be the one about a dog whose name is inspired by the Hong Kong martial arts star Jackie Chan.
Although the cuts appears to be only 13, every swear word or offensive visual counts as one cut, so the actual number of demanded excisions will be much higher. The filmmakers are racing against time – Udta Punjab is scheduled to open on June 17.
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