As 'Udta Punjab' row escalates, Shahid for spreading film's message

Shahid Kapoor, the lead star of the much controversial yet-to-be released flick 'Udta Punjab', today urged the government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to promote the message which this movie aims to share.

"We are in the age of information and technology. Today's youth should be well informed about what is happening, be it in Punjab or anywhere else in the nation. We are trying to do that through this movie. Hence, we need to support the message this film is sending," said the 35-year-old actor.

Veteran film-maker Satish Kaushik, who plays the role of Taayaji in this film, said it is the first time that the entire film fraternity has come out openly on an issue.

"Normally, the film industry offers silent support. This is the first time we all have come out openly on an issue," he said.

The entire cast of the Abhishek Chaubey directed film and the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association assembled here to downplay the controversy surrounding 'Udta Punjab'.

Earlier, Kashyap accused CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani of behaving like a "dictator", adding that he had no political pressure to bar the film.

"Pahlaj Nihlani is behaving like a dictator and it almost feels like you are living in dictatorship, where everybody is telling you what to do and you don't have any right," he told ANI.

Several Bollywood celebrities like Arjun Kapoor, Vikram Bhatt, Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar among others have extended their support to 'Udta Punjab.'

Co-produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, 'Udta Punjab,' a highly talked about movie that is being keenly anticipated by a large section of youth, also stars Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.

The movie slated to release on June 17 is likely to get delayed.