CFBC gives nod to Udta Punjab with 'A' certificate

After much controversy the Central Board of Film Certification (CFBC) on Sunday gave the nod to Bollywood film 'Udta Punjab' with 'A' certificate.

The film highlights the rampant drug menace and its impact on the youth in Punjab.

The movie created a major controversy after it ran into trouble with the CFBC, with officials reportedly demanding 89 cuts in it and the removal of the word 'Punjab' from the title.

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, however, said the film certification board did not ask for removal of word 'Punjab' from the title.

"Today, the film has been passed with 'A' certificate. The claim of producer to remove the title of the film by board is false. We never asked for its removal. But he said so in front of the media to gain publicity. All these reports are false," said Nihalani.

The CBFC chief said that the final movie was being released with 13 cuts.

"The board recommended 13 cuts in the film, which are valid. All the words under those 13 cuts have been removed and the film has been passed," added Nihalani.

The Bombay High Court had last week slammed the CBFC for unjust censorship and said the body was meant to certify films and not censor them.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Punjab accounts for 45 percent of all prisoners in the country convicted on drug-related charges. The state also accounts for 30 percent of under-trials facing such charges.

'Udta Punjab' has been directed by Abhishek Chaubey and stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on June 17.