CBFC discouraging filmmakers from showing reality: Randeep Hooda

New Delhi, June 10 (ANI): With the controversy escalating over 'Udta Punjab', a film highlighting the rampant drug menace and its impact on the youth in Punjab, actor Randeep Hooda took on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), saying the board, which is meant to provide certification, should not discourage filmmakers from showing ground reality.

Talking to ANI, Randeep said that the CBFC should leave it to the audience to decide what they want to see.

"I think it should be more about certification as CBFC is a certification board and not a Censor Board. They should provide a proper certificate and let the people decide what they want to see. That is the only way out. You know what will happen? People will get afraid of dealing with issues and making film about things which are reflective of our society right now, which is really important for filmmakers," Randeep told ANI.

The 'Sarbjit' actor added that even his recent film 'Do Lafzo Ki Kahani' had gone through the grilling procedure of Censor Board of India which demanded the kiss of 18 seconds in the film to be reduced to 9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, which is hearing the petition filed by one of the film producers of the movie, will pronounce the judgment on Monday.

While hearing the matter, the High Court had yesterday 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 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. It has now posted the petition filed by Phantom films, one of the producers of the movie, for further hearing for today.

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 is based on substance abuse in Punjab.

The movie also starring Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh was slated to release on June 17.