How can you delete words like MP, MLA from 'Udta Punjab': HC to CBFC

Mumbai: Questioning whether the movie 'Udta Punjab' only depicted Punjab as the drug capital, the Bombay High Court on Thursday observed how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) can ask the makers to delete words like MP, MLA and election from the film. While hearing the matter, the High Court asked the CBFC whether it was suggesting that the movie only depicts Punjab as a drug capital. The court further asked the petitioner- Phantom films- whether all the 13 suggestions by the CBFC are bad. The Bombay High Court posted the petition filed by Phantom films, one of the producers of the movie, for further hearing on Friday. The High Court earlier allowed the company to amend its petition, allowing them to challenge the Censor Board's order suggesting 13 cuts in the film. With the 'Udta Punjab' issue turning into a battle between co-producer Anurag Kashyap and CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, the producers yesterday moved the High Court seeking a copy of the order from the Censor Board Review Committee report on the film. The CBFC is said to have demanded an alteration in the narrative with as many as 89 cuts. The makers were apparently even asked to drop 'Punjab' from the title and it was suggested that the film be set in a fictitious backdrop instead of a particular state. Sources close to the Censor Board indicate towards political pressure being put in the wake of Punjab assembly elections to be held early next year. Co-produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, ' Udta Punjab' stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh. The film, which attempts to bring on screen the problem of drug abuse among the youth of Punjab, is slated to release on June 17. However, it now seems the release is likely to get delayed courtesy the fresh controversies surrounding the film and its co-producer.