While the CBFC counsels argued that the content, language and actions are abusive and objectionable, the HC asked them to certify the film accordingly rather than demanding cuts in the film. The counsels further argued that the film's content will give out a wrong message to the audience as lot of expletives and double-meaning words have been used in the film and a Punjabi character is shown doing wrong, objectionable gestures.
To which, the High Court Judge said, "Audience is mature; let the audience decide. How can you say which word is right and which is wrong? Today's audience is smart and intelligent. They know what is right and what is wrong. Film industry is not a glass which has to be handled with care. What's the point of making a film if you cut majority of scenes from it? Also, you want to remove the word 'Punjab' from the title, which is pointless."
Here are the Updates from the proceedings:
2.00 pm: Theres no propagation for drug abuse, we condemn drug abuse. Lets wait for Monday: Film makers’ Advocate
1.57 pm: We have offered disclaimers in three parts to the effect that movie doesnt put any state in bad light: Film makers’ Advocate
1.44 pm: Hearing on Udta Punjab adjourned to Monday, the judgement will be pronounced then
1.25 pm: Filmmaker’s lawyer gives example to court – Delhi belly, Bandit Queen, Gangs of Wasseypur, they too had been passed
1.16 pm: Filmmaker’s lawyer to Court – We have got the trailer passed with the same word ‘Chita Ve‘
1.10 pm: Court to CBFC – All this is giving unnecessary publicity to the film
12.50 pm: CBFC to Court- Don’t have objections with the film, but the word “kanjar” and others used in the movies do not fit. There is a dog which has been named as Jackie Chan, that is also objectionable.
12.41 pm: CBFC to court – ‘Kanjar’ the word can be replaced
12.40 pm: Court to CBFC – Whether it is TV or cinema, let the people see it. Everybody has a choice
12.35 pm: CBFC to court – “Kanjar” word used in the movie gives bad light to the state, Punjab is an “upjau” state.
12.30 pm: Court to CBFC – Films dont run on such content, there has to be a story in it, why are you concerned? Multiplex audience are mature enough
12.30 pm: CBFC to court – The dialogue “zameen banjar to aulaad kanjar” is also very abusive. The word “kanjar” is very offensive to use and the way it has been used is objectionable.
12.15 pm: CBFC lawyer to court – The scenes in this movie which are cut are very vulgar. The words used in the songs are very offensive.
12.05 pm: Hearing begins in Bombay High court.
(Credit: Indian Express)