Udta Punjab releases and now belongs to the people

The last couple of weeks have been eventful for the team of Udta Punjab, that stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh. Director Abhishek Chaubey's take on the drug menace in Punjab, that is fast destroying the youth of the state, has emerged triumphant at the end of a long-drawn battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after the producers, Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films approached the High Court. After the court verdict on Monday, they got the censor certificate on Wednesday evening.

While support came from all sides and much has been reported on the victory of their freedom of expression, the producers concede that it has now become the people's film.

Talking about the beginning of their disagreement with the Censor Board over the cuts recommended, Abhishek says, “When we started off, it was about protecting our film, but soon we realised that it was no longer just our fight.“ He adds, “It's amazing how people from all quarters have literally taken ownership of the film and championed its cause.“

He sums up saying, “When I envisioned the film, it came straight from the heart. This was a story that needed to be told. And told in its purest and most unadulterated form. Thankfully, you (the people) have made it possible.“

Udta Punjab releases today.