Udta Punjab is facing troubles due to its content on the issue of drug abuse in Punjab.
Leading figures in the film industry have thrown their weight behind the makers of Udta Punjab in their standoff with the CBFC.
“Udta Punjab speaks of the reality of our times… censoring reality amounts to delusion… the fraternity has to stand by what’s right!!” tweeted Karan Johar.
#UdtaPunjab speaks of the reality of our times….censoring reality amounts to delusion…..the fraternity has to stand by what’s right!!
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) June 6, 2016
“This is not a case-specific issue. It has been happening for a very long time,” filmmaker Onir, who has had his own battles with the censor board for his I Am and Chauranga, told The Indian Express. “There was also a lot of anger earlier this year when Aligarh’s trailer got ‘Adult’ certification… Why is the film industry, which is the biggest taxpayer in the country, always penalised in this way?” said Onir.
Actor Farhan Akhtar tweeted: “Power is the most dangerous addiction of all & someone in the CBFC seems to be tripping hard on Lassi in the Sky with Diamonds.” And Aligarh-director Hansal Mehta tweeted: “What is this I’m hearing about #UdtaPunjab? Makes me very, very angry.”
What is this I’m hearing about #UdtaPunjab? Makes me very, very angry.
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 6, 2016
Can the truth defame a state? #UdtaPunjabCensored
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 6, 2016
Delusion or collusion? Why is the establishment so scared of films that mirror reality? #UdtaPunjabCensored
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 6, 2016
The censor board’s alleged demands regarding Udta Punjab are politically motivated, said documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma. “This is being done keeping in mind the upcoming Punjab polls. It is very clear to some of us that the cuts have been ordered on the diktats of the Akali Dal, which is allied with the BJP. The movie discusses an issue that is very real in Punjab and the demand that the filmmakers not use the name of the state is atrocious and sets a bad precedent. Tomorrow, if I want to make a movie about the farmer suicides in Maharashtra and I’m told I can’t use the names ‘Vidarbha’, or ‘Marathwada’ or ‘Maharashtra’, what sense does it make?”
” Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance”. Is Pahalaj Nihalani listening ?
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) June 6, 2016
In April this year, a committee chaired by filmmaker Shyam Benegal submitted a report on the Cinematograph Act to the government with recommendations for changes. When contacted, Benegal said he has asked the filmmakers for a private viewing of the film on Thursday. “It’s nothing official. I asked to see the film, because I want to understand what is happening. Once I have watched it, I will be able to comment on the issue,” he said.
I guess the next step will be to submit scripts for censorship. #UdtaPunjabCensored
— Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) June 7, 2016
Anyone who says that drugs are not a problem in punjab is either unaware,complicit or has malafide intention #UdtaPunjab @_phoenix_fire_ 👍🏼
— soha ali khan (@sakpataudi) June 6, 2016
If we applied the same censorship rules to our politics 95 percent of our politicians will have to shut shop!!! #UdtaPunjabCensored
— Niranjan Iyengar (@ashesinwind) June 7, 2016
Overwhelmed with all the support #UdtaPunjab #freedomofexpression #drugsdimaadi
— Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 7, 2016
U know a lot of people in our fraternity speak up for other causes, it’s time we stood up for our own. #UdtaPunjab deserves a proper release
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) June 7, 2016
