‘Udta Punjab’ co-producer denies ban on film’s release

Mumbai, May 28

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures have refuted reports that their upcoming production ‘Udta Punjab’, based on issue of drug abuse in Punjab, has been banned by the censor board.

Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures led by Ekta Kapoor have co-produced the project which stars Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

There are reports that the Abhishek Chaubey-directed movie has failed to get censor board's approval due to excessive swearing and drug consumption.

“To set the record straight, Udta Punjab has not been banned. The examining committee has deferred the decision to the Revising committee and the due process is on,” Aman Gill, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd said in a statement.

The Central Board of Film Certification has also denied rejecting the film. “We have not rejected the film (Udta Punjab). The process is on for it. There were some differences between the committee and makers. I don't know why they (producers) are saying film is not cleared,” Anurag Srivastav of CBFC said.

Earlier, Kashyap had said the things are in process and hence film is far from being banned. “For the record, 'Udta Punjab' is not banned. The examining committee has deferred the decision to Revising and due process is on. And due process takes it own time so please abstain for spreading a BAN rumour. There is nothing to speak on the subject as of now,” the "Bombay Velvet" director tweeted.

“A film is banned only when examining, revising and FCAT all three refuse certificate. And then you fight it out in Supreme Court,” he further wrote.

"Udta Punjab" also stars Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh and is set to release on June 17. — PTI