Drugs are a major election issue in Punjab that goes to vote early next year. So when a movie that takes a hard look at the problem is due for release, any Censor Board run-in is expected to take on a political hue.
The incumbent Akali government has expressed it’s discomfort with the “negative portrayal of Punjabis” in the film, while Capt Amarinder Singh who’s leading the Congress’ campaign in the state and the Aam Aadmi Party are determined to ensure that Punjab’s drug problem remains the number one talking point for at least the next six months.
The initial hold-up was due to the “excessive swearing”, especially by Shahid Kapoor’s character – a wasted rockstar. Producer Anurag Kashyap approached the Revising Committee and in a meeting chaired by Pahlaj Nihalani himself, the Board recommended heavy cuts to temper the “reality” of the film.
The filmmakers have been asked to do away with “Punjab” in the title “Udta Punjab” and to edit all references to the state.
Punjab’s drug problem has come into national prominence only in the last five years. Considering a mainstream feature film’s potential to highlight the issue, we offer a quick sum up on why a fictitious character’s failure to mind his Ps and Qs is the last thing we should be worried out.
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The all-India figure has been quoted by the Punjab government from a 2001 survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Equality. The study notes the urgent need to conduct a more robust survey at the national level to arrive at a more accurate figure.
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