'Udta Punjab' to be released with just one cut, 'A' certificate: Bombay High Court

The court overruled all but one of 89 cuts ordered by a review committee, but also asked for a modification in the film's disclaimer

The Bombay High Court on Monday effectively quashed the numerous cuts ordered in the film 'Udta Punjab', ordering its release with only one cut, and a modification in the movie's disclaimer. In an order that reviewed each of the cuts recommended by the so-called Censor Board, the court ordered the Central Board for Film Certification to give an 'A' certificate to the film within two days. 

An 'A', or adults, certificate restricts viewership of the film to those over 18 years of age, and is the Indian equivalent of an 'R', or restricted, rating in Hollywood. 

The only scene that needs to be removed (cut number 9) is where Tommy Singh is urinating in front of a crowd, which the High Court said was not necessary. 

On Friday, the High Court had reminded CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani that his job was to certify films and not censor them. On Sunday, Nihalani said that the Censor Board had cleared Udta Punjab with 13 cuts under the 'A' category.

The film, co-produced by Kashyap's Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, highlights the rampant drug menace in Punjab and its impact on the state's youth.

The High Court assessed each proposed cut individually. 

It said as far as cut number 5, as suggested by CBFC, is concerned, there are some abusive words, which need to be deleted. “There is no need to assert or incorporate abusive words in every dialogue. We are not in agreement that in some films cuss words have been allowed, so these should be allowed here too,” the Bombay High Court said.

Cut number 6 are general words such as MP, MLA, Parliament, etc., which don't refer to any outfit.

The High Court does not think there is any need for cut number 7 either. “No need to delete the scratching scene in song no 3, as suggested by CBFC.”

It does not think cut number 8 warrants to be deleted either. According to the High Court, only one close up scene of injecting drug will not violate the mandate. 

Reacting to the development, Kashyap took to Twitter to express his relief: 
 

Earlier in the day, pointing out that there is no mention of the word "censor" in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the court directed the Board it to use its powers as per the constitutional provisions and directions issued by the Supreme Court.

"There is no mention of the word 'censor' in the Board. The Board should use its powers under the constitutional framework and the SC's directions," the Bombay HC said. 

However, the film's woes may not entirely be over. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday ordered a special screening to a high court appointed panel to check whether the movie is fit for public viewing or not, according to a Hindustan TImes report. The committee will be headed by a lawyer, who will submit a report on Thursday, the report said.