#Verdict: Ready, Set, FLY!
Questioning the claims made by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) against ‘Udta Punjab’, the Bombay High Court today said it didn’t find anything that shows Punjab in bad light or affects the sovereignty or integrity of India. The court further observed that the board does not have power to censor films.
Live updates:
HC: CBFC is not empowered by law to censor films as the word censor is not included in the Cinematograph Act.
HC: We don’t find anything in the film that shows Punjab in bad light or affects the sovereignty or integrity of India as claimed by CBFC.
HC: Creative freedom should not be unnecessarily curbed; nobody can dictate to a filmmaker about the content of his film.
HC: CBFC’s powers to cut, delete or change scenes must be consistently in consonance with provisions of the Constitution and Supreme Court orders.
HC: CBFC should quit acting like a grandmother, and change as per times.
And here’s what the Bombay HC has observed in this case:
#Filmmakers don’t support drugs.
#Characters show facets of menace.
#No reason to delete word Punjab from sign board.
#Nothing to suggest sovereignty is questioned.
#Drugs availability highlighted.
#Downfall of a rockstar depicted.
#Cops struggling with drug menace.
#CBFC not empowered by law to censor films as the word censor is not included in the Cinematograph Act.
#Creative freedom should not be unnecessarily curbed; nobody can dictate to a filmmaker about the content of his film.
#CBFC’s powers to cut, delete or change scenes must be consistently in consonance with provisions of the constitution and supreme court order.
The makers of the movie, Phantom Films had approached the Bombay HC against an order of the revising committee of CBFC that suggested certain changes in the film. The HC had on Friday said that the makers of ‘Udta Punjab’ should tone down expletives and vulgar scenes as these alone cannot make a film work.
The Bombay High Court finally cleared ‘Udta Punjab’s release and ordered only one cut, directing the filmmaker to delete the urination scene and asked for a revised disclaimer!
Post the positive outcome of the hearing Shahid and Alia took to Twitter to express their delight over the victory!
So it’s finally ready, set, FLY for ‘Udta Punjab’!
