Although the controversy surrounding ‘Udta Punjab’ once again showed that the CBFC should focus on certification rather than censor, the film’s makers have no reason to complain as it has garnered unforeseen pre-release publicity
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The Bombay High Court has censured the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for proposing as many as 89 cuts in the upcoming film ‘Udta Punjab’, a thriller about drug trafficking in Punjab slated to hit theatres June 17. Monday’s verdict by the Bombay HC brings down the curtain on a week of wrangling between the film’s producers and the head of India’s censor panel over suggested cuts that the film’s makers objected would obliterate its essence and dilute its message. The court has asked the board not to act like a “grandmother” and has upheld the right to free creative expression. The CBFC it pronounced should focus on certification instead of censor and need not be over-sensitive in matters related to art.
Striking down all but one of the cuts suggested by the censor board, the court ordered that ‘Udta Punjab’ be issued an A – or adult – certificate for screening.
In a display of unity, Bollywood rallied behind ‘Udta Punjab’ co-producer Anurag Kashyap and the film’s cast to protest attempts by CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani to “sanitise” art and popular culture.
Orissa Post speaks to a few actors in the Oriya and Hindi industries about their take on the issue. 
Nissar Khan who was recently seen in Ram Gopal Varma’s biopic ‘Veerappan’ in which he played the role of Vijay Kumar, a senior cop, said the controversy surrounding ‘Udta Punjab’ shows that creative freedom in India is still a far cry. “It is unfortunate on the part of the film’s makers to have moved court that resulted in the delay in the movie’s release. However, they had no other option but to approach the judiciary for a solution. The objections raised by the censor board at the time of the movie’s release came as a setback to the film’s director and producers. A few people can’t decide what the nation should watch. I feel the censor board should focus on other sensitive issues like religious sentiments and ensure that these are not hurt.”
Nissar who hails from Punjab said drug addiction in Punjab, especially among the youth, is an issue that deserves serious attention. “The movie is based on drug addiction and delivers a social message. I don’t think there is anything that should be cut in it or anything that the audience should not be allowed to watch. I feel it is good that the film has shot to the limelight and caught everyone’s attention prior to its release due to the tiff between its makers and the censor board. People now will be eagerly awaiting its release.”
Actress Saumya Tandon feels that like the Hindi film industry all movie buffs have welcomed the court’s decision on ‘Udta Punjab’. “It’s a movie that focuses on the pressing problem of drug abuse. It mirrors a social reality we cannot shut our eyes to. It’s sad that the CBFC chose to act in a high-handed manner as revealed in the enormous number of cuts it suggested in the film. Previously films like ‘Aligarh’ too had rubbed the censor board up the wrong way but not every producer can afford to pump in money and fight prolonged legal battles. I hope the certification authority accords priority to free expression instead of acting as a moral guardian,” she said. 
Avisekh Rath, a great admirer of Shahid Kapoor –the male lead of ‘Udta Punjab’ – feels a movie should aim at delivering a social message. “I have seen the trailer of the movie and I feel there must be something in it which was why the censor board had opposed to certain scenes. The majority of us go to the theatre with our families and if there are scenes that could create a negative impact on kids its better we delete them before release.” 
Actor Samaresh, however, is of the view that the CBFC should limit itself to certification rather than censor. “In any art form there should be creative freedom. I oppose censorship. I don’t understand the logic behind it. As the movie was made for adults I think there should be freedom of creative expression, which should not be restricted,” he said. The actor added the controversy helped the film gain great pre-release publicity.
