If leaked 'Udta Punjab' is censor copy, it's a shame: Aamir

Aamir Khan on Thursday said if the leaked version of "Udta Punjab" online is a censor board copy, it will reflect very badly on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Also, he says he will watch the film himself in Punjab.

On Wednesday, a leaked copy of the movie emerged on Torrent websites for illegal downloads, and makers tried to remove it on a war footing. It was removed from several platforms due to a copyright complaint, but the damage had been done.

As per multiple online platforms which had snapshots from the leaked copy, one could say it was a copy of the film submitted to the CBFC as it also seemed to feature some scenes which the censor board had objected to.

Asked to comment on the matter, Aamir told select media here on the sidelines of the shooting of "Dangal": "If it's not confirmed (whether censor board itself has leaked it film), I can't comment on it. If it is a censor copy, though we are not sure whether it is, then it's a big shame for the CBFC. It's something which will reflect very badly on the CBFC."

However, the actor-producer said that in case "it's not a censor copy, then piracy is an issue that we have been fighting for very long."

Aamir, who is currently shooting for the upcoming film "Dangal" here, says that the common man, who watches the pirated version "doesn't understand that is committing a crime".

The 51-year-old actor says there needs to be increased sensitivity to piracy as filmmakers put in a lot of hard work behind each project.

"Udta Punjab" makers have gone through their share of struggle in seeking a release certificate from the CBFC, which first suggested 89 cuts in the movie, but later the Revising Committee asked for 13 cuts.

Ultimately, the makers moved the Bombay High Court which on Monday overruled the CBFC-recommended cuts to the film and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers by the filmmakers.

Aamir feels the Bombay High Court verdict is right, and added that he is eagerly waiting for the film.

"I'll watch the film in Punjab only as I'm shooting here," the "Ghulam" star said.

--IANS

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