Though the movie is slated to hit the theatres on June 17, it is likely to get delayed in the wake of the current issues with the Censor Board.
Veteran actor Raza Murad has extended his support to the Udta Punjab team amid the Censor Board succumbing to political pressure, thereby suggesting that the Shahid Kapoor-starrer should not be set in the state.
The 65-year-old actor said that if the word Punjab gets erased from the movie, then that would leave no difference between democracy and dictatorship.
"This problem of drugs in Punjab has been there for last 15-20 years. It was there during the former government, it is even there during the present government. It has not been restrained till now. Then why are you stopping these people from portraying it? If it is done, then there won't be any difference between democracy and dictatorship," Murad said.
"Everyday news papers report how drugs are affecting youths in Punjab. That is not a lie. So if a film is portraying the same, then why does that bother you? Why can't you use the word Punjab in the movie? Is Punjab not a part of India?" said the actor questioning the controversy.
Reportedly, the recent Recommendations/Objections of the Reviewing Committee have assumed political overtones.
Speaking in this regard, Murad brought in the reference of the upcoming election in Punjab and said that this objection might be because of that.
"I did a film long back named Punjab. If that film gets released, then why Udta Punjab is facing such problems? Why is such double standard attitude out here? I feel, as Punjab will have its elections soon, so some people are getting conscious about it," he said.
It is being reported that the Reviewing Committee is taking a view that the flick, which is based on the growing drug addiction among the youth, is defamatory to Punjab.
Earlier also, the ruling party in Punjab, Akali Dal, had objected to the movie. Sources close to the censors indicate towards political pressure being put in the wake of Punjab elections slated to happen early next year.
Udta Punjab also stars Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh in the leads.
Though the movie is slated to hit the theatres on June 17, it is likely to get delayed in the wake of the current issues with the Censor Board.
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 "Bollywood, Udta Punjab, Raza Murad, Akali Dal, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor, CBFC")
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