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Here's why Udta Punjab hasn't released in Pakistan yet

We were looking forward to the film's release this weekend, but the CBFC has other plans.

18 Jun, 2016

If you thought the only battle Udta Punjab was fighting with was in India, you've got another thing coming.

The highly anticipated drug abuse drama, which released on Friday, June 17, has yet to hit screens in local cinemas. And that got us thinking, why do we still not have show timings for the Shahid Kapoor- Alia Bhatt starrer?

The answer lies with the Censor Board. Fakhr-Alam, Chairman Censor Board Sindh, told Images that the film has been viewed by the Board and they have asked the distributor to make a few changes.

"We have told the distributor to delete the bad language, swear words -- which are extremely explicit and in direct conflict with the law and censor code. We will [then] review to see that the compliance has been adhered to and then issue a certificate," said the artist.

Unfortunately, the release date of the film is yet to be announced, so the wait is going to be a little longer.

He added," As far as the release is concerned, it is up to the distributor."

Udta Punjab starring Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in pivotal roles, deals with substance abuse and how it affects the youth of Punjab.

Comments

hitesh Jun 18, 2016 12:47pm

Same mentality

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PChrome Jun 18, 2016 12:59pm

Do what is best for your culture and country. Don't fall into the trap of idea of free speech.

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Qamar Valliani Jun 18, 2016 01:04pm

Indian films are not as per culture of Pakistan. Most Indian films will either be banned or heavily censored.

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Ahsan Jun 18, 2016 01:18pm

Whats the difference between indian censor board and our censor board? Just release it with an Adult only rating. People will understand when they choose to watch it. Haider was banned and now Udta Punjab doesn't seem likely to be released. Ban all worth watching films.

Recommend

Dipak Singh Jun 18, 2016 01:33pm

Where is the problem if Film maker keep originality in movies. Drug addicts obvious use slang words in their daily life they wont say Hanuman chalisha or Gaytri mantra. even we all know all the slang which used in our life.

Recommend

ripan Jun 18, 2016 01:34pm

stand for free expression,

Recommend

Ajay Vikram Singh Jun 18, 2016 01:40pm

Its a movie about tragedies and individual failures, and over-coming them. Human weakness and strengths. About greed, corruption, escapism, violence , love and kindness. Its shows drugs and its effects on society, in a very real way. The realistic feel of the movie hit you like a ton of bricks. Finally, its a very humane & heart wrenching story. If you have seen director Anurag kashyap's last movie "Ugly", then you can imagine how hard hitting and disturbing, this one could be. Young Alia Bhat has just produced a gem in terms of acting. She has made a huge statement with this one, as a future queen of bollywood. A new age, confident and daring bollywood.

Recommend

Satt Jun 18, 2016 01:41pm

@hitesh Mentality will be tested when somebody will file a petition in the court to release the film.

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vinay Jun 18, 2016 02:01pm

deep message in the movie . no one should support drugs and terrorists. give the world a break

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Sheraz Jun 18, 2016 02:22pm

When every we heard swearing in daily life then whats the issue in film. Give rating 18 thats it

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Sheraz Jun 18, 2016 02:23pm

@hitesh agreed from Pakistan Hitesh!

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ripan Jun 18, 2016 03:16pm

what a movie,urge everyone to see it in cinemas,if it gets released

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confused in canada Jun 18, 2016 03:42pm

@PChrome I enjoy the freedom of free speech, outside the oppression of dictators and military rule. The fact that I can even type these words freely without fear is a reflection of my appreciation for free speech.

Recommend

Deepak Jun 18, 2016 04:00pm

I saw the movie, usage of bad words existed which a true reflection of India side punjab. Since these words did not change the storyline, bad words could be avoided. Had the tempo of 1st half continued in 2nd, audience would have profusely wept. I agree with Pakistan censor board on the bad language.

Recommend

Dipak Singh Jun 18, 2016 04:17pm

@Ahsan Exactly Pakistan censor board should mark the film as (A), thus only Adults can watch the film.

Recommend

PChrome Jun 18, 2016 05:22pm

@confused in canada Exercise your freedom of speech. Stand up for what you believe. Fight against injustice. Stand up for the weak and minorities. Be a role model. Support environment causes. Save the planet.

Recommend

Vishal Jun 18, 2016 05:50pm

Saw the movie. Yes, the abuses do feel jarring and unnecessary at times, like a gimmick to pull in the crowds. But, in the end, it delivers a very strong message.

Recommend

VINOD Jun 18, 2016 06:30pm

@PChrome I have never ever understood as to why all these right wing characters who keep swearing about culture and traditions to push the society have English names like Chrome and hide their identity.

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Sajid wali Jun 18, 2016 06:46pm

We want to see kareena kapoor and shahid kapoor together on screen again

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vivek Jun 18, 2016 07:22pm

@Qamar Valliani Can you please elaborate the "culture" of Pakistan?

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Pakistani Jun 18, 2016 08:03pm

@Ahsan at least haider was a waste of time.

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Hulagu Jun 18, 2016 08:27pm

So censor boards of India and Pakistan think people don't use curse words in daily language???? They just need to get out of their AC offices and walk on the street for half an hour. They will hear more curse words than total in this 3 hour film. Usually I support deletion of explicit and sex scenes as they are not as per culture of the subcontinent. But this is a dark movie about a very serious topic. Obviously not to be seen by kids. Keep it original.

Recommend

someone_else Jun 18, 2016 11:23pm

@vivek Mujra,Gandasa, hypocrisy to name a few.

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Arisha G Jun 19, 2016 02:33am

@Ahsan do you have such rating system and do people acknowledge or understand it? Nowadays most everyone watches it with their family members of all ages.

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Human enough Jun 19, 2016 09:31am

Censor board of Pakistan bans films which even contains name of Pakistan(i). This film is mostly against the tragedy going on in India. Yet you don't let it release.

Recommend

Einstein Babar Jun 19, 2016 01:39pm

Bollywood won't survive for next 5 years with existing quality of movies

Recommend

Rahul Jun 20, 2016 12:05am

@Qamar Valliani which is ur culture ?

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joe Jun 20, 2016 05:48am

@Qamar Valliani Does 70 years make a culture?

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Sana Jun 22, 2016 01:21am

Another think* coming. Not thing. Google it.