MUMBAI:
In the much awaited verdict over a series of controversial cuts proposed by the Censor Board on the film Udta Punjab, the Bombay High court made several comments, deciding that the cuts demanded by the Board were “unjustified”.
Here are the Top 10 points the court made:
- It is common ground that in several states elections will be held in Punjab in 2017. Film is not made keeping in mind elections in Punjab.
- It is not for anybody to interfere unless and until creative freedom is abused.
- Punjab is the land of warriors, freedom fighters and martyrs. The censor board need not be so over-sensitive in a matter of art.
- Just as the board even we would have been happy if the language was a little refined. However, we don’t think a single sentence and line can be fit into extension of abuse.
- One must not forget that this is a fictional work. The story has no connection with real life.
- We don’t think the film viewed as a whole it targeted a particular state or its people.
- There are general words. They don’t describe any political party, or a public representative in state or Parliament — only a general reference.
- Not proper to say that in some films abuses were allowed earlier they should be now too. It depends on story, theme, backdrop and setting,
- Today’s film-makers are often trade professionals. They want to take charge of their own course.
- Certain degrees of freshness, change of attitude should not result in bringing about disruptions or creating hurdles and obstacles. It will kill creativity.
[“source-ndtv”]