In what can be termed as a win-win situation for the filmmakers of ‘Udta Punjab’, the court on Monday while hearing the much-debated case of the Bollywood movie has said that the film is ideally not putting the state of Punjab in a bad light rather it is highlighting the rampant drug menace.
Highlights of the court’s judgement:
Cut-protagonist urinating in crowd-we don’t feel that this scene is required, said the court. “Dialogue on zameen”- this part is not required to be deleted and Cut 10 suggested by CBFC is also not required to be deleted. Zameen dialogue will not affect punjab, added the court in its observation.
The High Court also observed that the multiplex audience is mature enough and the freedom of express and cretivity is absolute. The film does not hamper the sovereignty of the country.
Earlier on Friday, the court had directed Pahlaj Nihalani, Chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), that his job is to certify films and not censor them.
“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”, said the HC.
The HC further added,” Not for anybody to interfere unless creative freedom is abused. None can dictate the maker as to how to make the film”.
The movie depicts the downfall of a rockstar, and all characters in the film show facets of drug menace. It also maintains that there is no reason to delete the ‘Punjab’ sign board in the film. It is entirely on the filmmakers to choose the setting for a film, said the court while pronouncing its judgement on the ‘Udta Punjab’ controversy.
