The upcoming movie, Udta Punjab, directed by Abishek Choubey has apparently run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), according to the sources.

A member of the production house said, “CBFC had not yet given a certificate to the movie and was demanding that most of the cuss words be edited out.” The director, producers at Phantom Films and Balaji Films and CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani are silent on the issue.

“The film is based on the drug problem in Punjab, the character played by Shahid Kapoor, that of a musician, is liberal with expletives. Cutting those out will take away from the narrative,” said the production team member.

The filmmakers have applied for the adult certification, interestingly.

The trailer which got released earlier this month under adult certification without any cuts and beeps. This has raised CBFC’s eyebrows according to the sources.

“It was surprising to everyone within the board that the promo didn’t have to face a serious snip and Nihalani, who has earned a reputation for his ‘sanskari’ stand, let it pass. But if that was cleared, why is there a problem with the film?” Said a CBFC member on a condition of anonymity.

This issue has come amid the demand by several filmmakers that the Censor board should not act as moral police. A committee headed by an experienced director Shyam Benegal was set up by the I&B ministry earlier to look into the matter and to upgrade the outdated Cinematography Act of 1952. Although the committee has submitted its report already, the ministry has not worked or reviewed it till now.

According to the sources, many stakeholders in Udta Punjab did not want to go to the courts yet and wanted to sort things out, although they were unavailable for any comments.

Udta Punjab is the movie based upon the drug problems in the state of Punjab and starring Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and a Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh in lead roles. It is scheduled to relase on June 17, 2016.

By Prajakt K.