Shyam Benegal Calls ‘Udta Punjab’ Well Made, But Stays Mum on Row

The special screening was organised for Benegal in the wake of the huge controversy between ‘Udta Punjab’ and CBFC.

Noted filmaker Shyam Benegal. (Photo: The Quint)

Eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who heads the government-appointed Censor Board revamp committee and for whom a special screening of controversy-ridden Udta Punjab was organised on 8 June, termed the film “technically” well-made.

Without commenting on the controversy, Benegal told reporters, “If you ask me technically, it’s a well-made film.”

The screening was arranged for Benegal in the wake of the controversy surrounding the film between its producers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Anurag Kashyap, the film’s producer, slammed the Board’s decision, along with many Bollywood filmmakers like Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt who came out in support of the movie, saying that censoring it is not the solution.

Also Read: Bollywood Unites to Support ‘Udta Punjab’

Before watching the film, National Award-winning director Benegal had said:

I don’t know the actual matter as I have not seen the film. I will see it tomorrow and then only I can say something. Before that, it is not fair on my part to comment or say anything on it (cuts and issues raised by the Censor Board).

However, when asked about the CBFC-suggested cuts, he said, “I am not going to give any comment on this.”

The film is about the widespread problem of drug addiction in Punjab. The board had purportedly raised certain objections to the Shahid Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer regarding references to Punjab, following which the movie may have to go through some changes.

Incidentally, the revamp committee headed by Benegal was formed after the CBFC and its chief Pahlaj Nihalani received flak for various censoring decisions.

Also Read: What’s in a Name? Punjab’s ‘Udta’ Problems Aren’t Going Anywhere

(With agency inputs.)