The makers of Udta Punjab, in what might be Bollywood’s boldest move ever, have decided to not release the film in Pakistan. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Pakistan had prescribed 100 cuts in the film to make it release-ready across the border. But according to a Times of India report, Udta Punjab director Abhishek Chaubey and the film’s producers chose tell their story the way it is, even if it means losing revenue.
It definitely means loss of revenue if the film is not released in Pakistan. But more than that... it would make no sense to release it with the said cuts. The film is intended to convey something and make a point.Abhishek Chaubey, Filmmaker
While Chaubey and team had the option of moving court here in India to fight the 89 cuts ordered by the CBFC back home, Pakistan lies beyond their legal reach.
There was a bigger message that we wanted to convey with the movie and that was against drug peddling and drug abuse. The film had to reflect reality.Abhishek Chaubey
Not many filmmakers and producers give reality and storytelling as much importance as their film’s box office collections at home and beyond borders. But with this decision it seems that Udta Punjab is a truly liberated piece of work.
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Pakistan Pulls a Pahlaj on ‘Udta Punjab’ with a 100 Cuts & Beeps!
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