Bombay High Court on Monday gave all clear to Anurag Kashyap’s Udta Punjab with just one cut. The verdict by the high court came as an embarrassment to the CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, who had shown his determination to block the release of the movie at any cost.
Film maker Anurag Kashyap had moved Bombay High Court changeling the cuts ordered by CBFC headed by Pahlaj Nihalani.
The film is scheduled to release on 17 June and sources say that it will hit theatres according to plan.
On Sunday, Nihalani said that the CBFC had issued A certificate to Udta Punjab with 13 cuts.
The High Court on Monday directed the CBFC to issue certificate to Udta Punjab within 48 years.
With egg on its face, the CBFC had no option but to accept the verdict.
Kashyap’s lawyer said that the verdict was a vindication of their stand and also victory of their fundamental rights.
Social media soon exploded with the most describing the HC order as a victory to freedom of expression.
Here’s how celebrity and ordinary social media users reacted on the verdict:
Landmark judgement#UdtaPunjab will fly and so will the voice of freedom and expression. Thank you all for the support. This is your victory
— Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 13, 2016
So hope it's fair news today but in the meanwhile this dig at the censor board is my favourite 🙂 #UdtaPunjab pic.twitter.com/vOO6G8OZbF
— halo of frizz (@sharroness) June 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/ShirishKunder/status/742320143439646720
Udta punjab judgement is a tight slap on Modi regime's intolerance.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 13, 2016
And FINALLY #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here's to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!! ❤️❤️
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) June 13, 2016
The triumph of #UdtaPunjab is the victory of #Democracy. And a victory for the spirit that DOES NOT GIVE IN OR GIVE UP.
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) June 13, 2016
Start flying ! Have you booked your ticket? Udta Punjab should share profits with Nihalani for generating controversy .
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) June 13, 2016
Mark the date: #UdtaPunjab to release on 17 June 2016. Just confirmed with Balaji.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 13, 2016
Every filmmaker & film lover will be grateful for the historic #HC verdict! Let creativity live. Let audiences decide. Let #UdtaPunjab fly!
— Sophie C (@Sophie_Choudry) June 13, 2016
The taste of freedom ! Vishesh, Arijit , Alia , Srijit & Gurudev pose for a picture after the verdict on UDTA PUNJAB pic.twitter.com/5pq6qxIqD1
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) June 13, 2016
So Bombay HC clears #UdtaPunjab with just a few cuts while retaining movie title. Nihalani Ji should have a Mumbai special cutting chai.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) June 13, 2016