The makers of Udta Punjab are apparently planning to move a new application in the Bombay High Court to get the film reviewed by the FCAT at the earliest

Looks like it's going to be a while before the controversy surrounding Udta Punjab dies down. Yesterday, hitlist reported about the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) rallying behind the makers of the film in their battle against the Censor Board.

The makers had expressed concern over the Board not giving them the letter of cuts and the film being stuck with the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) as its judge, who was to review the film, is on leave till June 16 making it difficult for the makers to stick to their scheduled release date - June 17.

Now, we hear that the makers are planning to move an application in the Bombay High Court asking for an alternate judge to be arranged so that the film could be reviewed at the earliest.

Says a source close to the project, "It's true that we are planning to move an application asking for a replacement for the FCAT judge. We are trying our best to release the film as scheduled."


The source also adds that the delay in the project's release will lead to huge monetary losses. In a letter (dated June 7) sent by Phantom films (co-producers of Udta Punjab) to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) they address the issue saying, "As the film's release was scheduled on 17th June 2016, the promotion of the film has already commenced and an amount of Rs 5,00,00,000/- (Rupees Five Crores Only) has been/ is being incurred towards its promotion and publicity. Also, Phantom has already booked about 1000 theatres and 1800 screens for the film's release."

The film's spokesperson remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to the project on the condition of anonymity, says, "We will take a call after the High Court's verdict today."

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In the meanwhile...

'Udta Punjab' producers' appeal to High Court to relook at the cuts proposed by Censor Board will be heard today. During the proceedings yesterday, the judge made several points:

> If films like 'Go Goa Gone' and 'Bombay To Goa' can mention the names of places, why not 'Udta Punjab'?

> Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh starrer 'MSG' which had references to drugs also was released, then what's the issue with 'Udta Punjab'?

> The film's title and the words/phrases used do not affect the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

> The court also asked the Censor Board to justify the 13 cuts it suggested.