Filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey, producer Anurag Kashyap and others associated with the film Udta Punjab, can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Bombay High Court on Monday overruled the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) decision and cleared it for release with just one cut.
In a landmark judgement, Udta Punjab has been cleared with just one (very minor) cut. Team Udta elated, hands in the air and all
β Ankur Pathak (@aktalkies) June 13, 2016
The High Court has asked the filmmakers to delete a scene in which the protagonist Tommy Singh, portrayed by actor Shahid Kapoor, urinates in public.
Udta Punjab has been left intact with 3 strong disclaimers: that it doesn't promote drug use, support cuss words or defame any state.
β Ankur Pathak (@aktalkies) June 13, 2016
Naturally, the film fraternity is elated by the decision:
Landmark judgement#UdtaPunjab will fly and so will the voice of freedom and expression. Thank you all for the support. This is your victory
β Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 13, 2016
And FINALLY #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here's to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!! β€οΈβ€οΈ
β Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) June 13, 2016
I believe!!!!!! https://t.co/yHK3A6K2EV
β Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) June 13, 2016
And justice there is!!!!!!!!! #BombayHighCourt ....#UdtaPunjab ...as a filmmaker I feel empowered and relieved!!!!
β Karan Johar (@karanjohar) June 13, 2016
The triumph of #UdtaPunjab is the victory of #Democracy. And a victory for the spirit that DOES NOT GIVE IN OR GIVE UP.
β Dia Mirza (@deespeak) June 13, 2016
Landmark judgement by the honorable Bombay High Court on #UdtaPunjab. Great victory for the filmmakers. π
β Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) June 13, 2016
Woohoo finally udta Punjab can fly. Freedom of expression wins the battle.high court passes with just 1 cut. #UdtaPunjabVerdict
β Amit Trivedi (@ItsAmitTrivedi) June 13, 2016
Udta Punjab to be released with 1 cut and a disclaimer! SEE YOU ALL at the movies on Friday the 17th.@FuhSePhantom@balajimotionpic
β Masaba Mantena (@MasabaG) June 13, 2016
And of course, Indian politicians voiced their opinions on the High Court's judgement:
Udta punjab judgement is a tight slap on Modi regime's intolerance.
β Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 13, 2016
So Bombay HC clears #UdtaPunjab with just a few cuts while retaining movie title. Nihalani Ji should have a Mumbai special cutting chai.
β Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) June 13, 2016
I welcome the order of Bombay HC to release Udta Punjab with just one cut.It is a victory for democracy & freedom of speech & expression.
β Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) June 13, 2016
Udta Punjab which stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh is scheduled for release on 17 June. Produced by Anurag Kashyap's Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, the film revolves around the life of four people, a rockstar, an immigrant labour, a doctor and a cop.
Check out the Udta Punjab trailer here: