Faced with considerable embarrassment from the Bombay High Court, which made some damning observations about the CBFC, it’s chief Pahlaj Nihalani has now revealed that Anurag Kashyap’s Udta Punjab has been given ‘A’ certificate.
Also read | Pahlaj Nihalani’s objections to Udta Punjab are borne out of political considerations
Nihalani was quoted by ANI, “Udta Punjab has been passed by CBFC with a ‘A’ certificate with 13 cuts. Reports of CBFC asking for movie’s title to be removed is false.”
PTI later quoted him as saying, “The CBFC’s job is now over. It is now up to the producer to go to the court or tribunal. We will implement the order,”
Interestingly, this is the first time Nihalani has officially denied media reports on the CBFC wanting the makers of Udta Punjab to drop any reference to Punjab in the film.
Also read | It took High Court to remind Nihalani about what CBFC rule said
Nihalani said that he was only following the rule boom even though the High Court last week slammed him for not following the rule.
Nihalani, a self-proclaimed ‘sychophant’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ” I follow the rule book, films are given certificate based on CBFC guidelines.”
Nihalani had controversially ordered 89 cuts in the movie including dropping any reference to Punjab as, according to him, it portrayed the state in negative light.
The film explores the growing menace of drugs in the state, which is ruled by Akali Dal and BJP, PM Modi’s party.
More to follow: