Remove everything about Punjab from ‘Udta Punjab’, demands Censor Board

Local Press Co 5-point Snippet

1. Abhishek Chaubey’s upcoming directorial ‘Udta Punjab’ has been in the news over the past 2 weeks over the film’s battle with the censor board.

2. While earlier reports claimed that the makers were unhappy with the 89 cuts demanded by the Censor Board’s Examining Committee (EC), a new report has revealed the extent of censorship.

3. After failing to get a nod from the (EC), the film was referred to the board’s Revising Committee (RC), who has allegedly banned the use of the word ‘Punjab’ from the film and asked that the film be set in a fictional land rather than the troubled state. It has also asked the makers to remove reference to any of Punjab’s cities.

4. During the review, which was reportedly presided by Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, the panel also recommended the makers to essentially remove all references to the state, politics and elections. If the makers don’t reach a conclusion soon, they will have to push forward the release date of the Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer from June 17 and even resort to changing the title of the film.

5. Apart from the board, the film has also faced staunch opposition from Punjab’s ruling party Akali Dal led by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Sources also claim that the ruling party has put political pressure on the board, given the content of the film might adversely affect their campaign for next year’s state elections.