Explained: The noise surrounding the Udta Punjab controversy

A breakdown of the entire controversy surrounding the film and how it has progressed over the past few days

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The debate around film censorship in India metastasized on Tuesday the producers of Udta Punjab, a film based on drug abuse in the state, was asked to make 89 cuts and remove all references to the state, including in the title.

Anurag Kashyap, whose production house Phantom has co-produced the film, took to Twitter to criticise what he called the ‘dictatorial’ policies of the Censor Board. Kashyap, in a series of tweets, attacked CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani’s policies to decide a film’s certification. In fact, one of his tweets was also addressed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Later in the day, the producers approached the Bombay High Court seeking a copy of the order of Censor Board Review Committee on the film. 

Business Standard breaks down the entire controversy surrounding the film and how it has progressed over the past few days.

What is the film based on?

The film is set in Punjab and reportedly highlights the increasing drug abuse problem in the state. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film’s star cast includes Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh.  

What are the objections raised by the Censor Board?

The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) has recommended 89 cuts in the film and removing references to Punjab, politics or elections. It has also held back the film’s certification. It has reportedly claimed that the references to the name of the state could influence Assembly election scheduled there next year.

Interestingly, it had initially cited 40 cuts based on explicit language and drug. The producers had then approached a tribunal to seek an ‘A’ certificate so that the cuts wouldn’t have to be implemented. 

To their surprise, however, it  is the revising committee that has now recommended more cuts than originally asked for and has asked for removal of ‘Punjab’ from the title. 

According to at least one report, the Board wanted the film to be set in a fictional land than a real state. 

Kashyap & Twitter

The producer’s Twitter rant, which ranged from calling the Censor Board chief a dictator to tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to stating that he has experienced what it is to live in North Korea, has itself become cause for debate. 

Kashyap, himself a critically-lauded director also snubbed political personalities who sided with him. “I request Congress, AAP and other political parties to stay out of my battle. It's my Rights vs the Censorship. I speak only on my behalf. It's my fight Vs a dictatorial man sitting there operating like an oligarch in his constituency of censor board, that's my North Korea. Rest of you go pick your own fights. I will fight mine. So please don't colour my fight with any political affiliation because there is none," said Kashyap.

Nihalani, in his response, accused Kashyap to have taken money from the Aam Aadmi Party to make this film. 

Politicking over the film

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, said, “Punjab has a crippling drug problem. Censoring Udta Punjab will not fix it. The government must accept the reality and find solutions." Delhi Chief Minster and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal  also said that he agreed with Kashyap’s views. 

People who support Kashyap and the film have said that Censor Board’s decision is in line with outcome of elections in the state next year. It is said that drug problem is used by opposition parties as a campaign against the ruling Akali Dal — an ally of the BJP. 

Interestingly, Nihlani has accused Kashyap of taking money from AAP to show Punjab in poor light. Kashyap has responded asking Censor Board chief to provide evidence to substantiate his claim. 

On divergent paths

Interestingly, a report in Mumbai Mirror states that the controversy surrounding the issue has landed the family of Pahlaj Nihalani in a soup. Nihalani’s son, Chirag, and his daughter-in-law, Radhika, are actively involved in the film’s promotions. While Chirag is a creative producer with Balaji Motion Pictures, and is associated with the promotional material for the film, Radhika is a part of the marketing team of the film. Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films are the film makers of Udta Punjab.