Social media burst into celebrations on Monday evening after the Bombay High Court ordered the release of Udta Punjab, a Hindi film based on the drug menace in Punjab, with just one cut.
The film’s makers had approached the court after the Central Board of Film Certification, under chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, demanded 89 excisions. The CBFC objected to the use of swear words in the film, the name of a dog, among several other things.
On Monday, the court struck down all the objections but asked Udta Punjab’s makers, Phantom Films and Balaji Telefilms, to delete a scene showing actor Shahid Kapoor urinating. It also asked for a modification in one disclaimer in the movie.
The CBFC now has 48 hours to issue a fresh rating certificate to the Abhishek Chaubey-directed film. “Creative freedom should not be unnecessarily curbed,” the court said. “Nobody can dictate to a filmmaker about the content of his film.” Also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh, Udta Punjab is scheduled to release on June 17.
The court order was welcomed by the film fraternity as a significant success against the Nihalani-headed CBFC.
And FINALLY #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here's to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!! ❤️❤️
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) June 13, 2016
And justice there is!!!!!!!!! #BombayHighCourt ....#UdtaPunjab ...as a filmmaker I feel empowered and relieved!!!!
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) June 13, 2016
Bombay HC clears #UdtaPunjab release with one dialogue cut.
— Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) June 13, 2016
That dialogue is: "Haan, hoon main #ModiJi ka chamcha!" by Pahlaj Nihalani.
The triumph of #UdtaPunjab is the victory of #Democracy. And a victory for the spirit that DOES NOT GIVE IN OR GIVE UP.
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) June 13, 2016
Woohoo finally udta Punjab can fly. Freedom of expression wins the battle.high court passes with just 1 cut. #UdtaPunjabVerdict
— Amit Trivedi (@ItsAmitTrivedi) June 13, 2016
Am delighted, relieved and elated that #UdtaPunjab has been finally cleared for release by the Hon'ble Court. This.. pic.twitter.com/pQan4OnxaT
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 13, 2016
The ruling gave social media some #MondayMotivation and a chance to burst into a celebratory mode.
Udta Punjab cleared for release with just one cut.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 13, 2016
Good day for nation.
Bad day for urination.#UdtaPunjabVerdict
Well done, Bombay High Court.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) June 13, 2016
Not only did you protect creativity.
You also got to watch Udta Punjab without the cuts!#UdtaPunjabVerdict
After #BombayHighCourt virdic on #UdtaPunjab @anuragkashyap72 sir feeling right now..#UdtaPunjabVerdict #KabaliDa pic.twitter.com/F48HEQw52s
— Suneal Patel (@suneal) June 13, 2016
I just hope that Udta Punjab is as well scripted as its pre-release controversy.
— Tanvi (@sinpulsive) June 13, 2016
Udta Punjab passed with only 1 cut...Anurag Kashyap wins by 9 Wickets..
— गरीब सेंस आफ ह्युमर (@Prasoonvyas) June 13, 2016
After this controversy #UdtaPunjab must gross 150cr easily.
— Ashim Sen (@aashimsen) June 13, 2016
Pehlaj Nilhani should be given 2% for his effort in the same.