Udta Punjab to release in Pakistan after 100 cuts

The Pakistan censor board today gave the green signal to the release of Indian movie “Udta Punjab” here after suggesting more than “100 cuts” to remove “objectionable and anti-Pakistan” content from the film.

“All 10 members of the CBFC have unanimously allowed 'Udta Punjab' to be released after editing objectionable content,” Mubashir Hasan, the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) head, said.

He said almost every dialogue had offensive words so they had asked for major cuts in the Punjab-set drug drama. “We have cut all derogatory and offensive words/dialogues and anti-Pakistan content from the film. More than 100 cuts, mutes, beeps have been suggested to the film distributor. Once he completes the editing, the film will again be presented before the board for final approval,” Hasan said.

The movie had run into trouble with the Indian censor board which had demanded 89 cuts. The Bombay High Court cleared it with one cut and a revised disclaimer.

Hasan said, “We have not banned this movie. On the appeal of the distributor, the board sat together and gave conditional approval.” “Udta Punjab is likely to be screened across Pakistan this weekend,” the distributor said. — PTI