Nihalani rejects role in Udta Punjab film leak

On Wednesday afternoon, a copy of Udta Punjab, a film that has been at the centre of controversy for a month now, was leaked on the Internet. While the makers struggled to take down the link at the earliest to minimise the damage to the film’s collections, word went out that it was the version that was submitted to the CBFC, and was allegedly leaked in order to get back at the film’s makers.

While investigations are on and the movie’s producers, Anurag Kashyap’s Phantom Films along with Balaji Motion Pictures, plan to take legal action against the culprit.

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani said, “The person responsible has already been identified and the leak will be tracked down. We will cooperate if we are approached as part of the investigation,” said Nihalani.

Nihalani also drew flak Wednesday for issuing the film a certificate that names high court judges who ruled in the case. The text, “Passed by Hon’ble High Court, Mumbai”, is also inscribed on the certificate.

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

Commenting on the matter, Nihalani pointed out that as per norms, names of whoever clears the film is mentioned on the certificate.

Calling the controversy a publicity stunt, Nihalani said most members of the industry have no problems with him as CBFC head.

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“Only the Bhatt camp, the Anurag Kashyap camp and a few other art filmmakers do this. Anurag and the Bhatts have always faced trouble with their films, starting from their debuts, a time when I wasn’t heading the CBFC. They are habitual of taking on the censors and use it as a publicity stunt,” he said.

Nihalani further said that a “good film doesn’t need cuss words”, “like Sholay, which was a super-duper hit”.
“The film releases tomorrow, let’s see if the audience enjoys the film or rejects it. We will find out soon.”