#UdtaPunjab’s censorship is a national joke now. This is what people are saying

Udta Punjab, an upcoming Bollywood movie on drug issue in the northern state of India, has become a debatable topic whether artists and movie directors have right to freedom of expression or not.

The Indian censor board, Central Board of Film Certification, has demanded 89 cuts in the movie and has asked the movie to be released with an ‘A’ certification.

Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani has come under the limelight, who even asked the filmmakers to drop the word ‘Punjab’ from the movie’s title.

However, director of the movie Anurag Kashyap has refused to make the cuts, saying when the movie is already getting an ‘A’ certificate, why there is a need to make cuts and drop the state’s name.

It's my fight Vs a dictatorial man sitting there operating like an oligarch in his constituency of censor board, that's my North Korea

— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) June 7, 2016

Now, the producers of the movie, which is slated to release on June 17, have moved the Bombay High Court and a decision is pending on the same. The Bollywood fraternity has also come in support of the movie, demanding Nihalani’s resignation, who even alleged that Kashyap had taken money from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for showing Punjab in bad light.

Amidst the tussle between Udta Punjab makers and the censor board, the moviegoers say the issue is serious and people should decide what to watch and what not to.

The entire episode of censorship has become a joke as twitterati are mocking Nihalai and supporting the film fraternity.

Here’s what they have to say:

Deep insight: If CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani were to judge some of FTII head Gajendra Chauhan's movies, he would order dozens of cuts

— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) June 8, 2016

Pahlaj Nihalani deserves a statue at Tussaud's. Only that the wax should be poured on him.

— The Cult of Bajirao (@bizzarebhide) June 8, 2016

Pahlaj Nihalani had a problem with kissing scenes in Spectre. It's a wonder the man has children.

— lindsay pereira (@lindsaypereira) June 8, 2016

The only thing that needs to be banned is Pahlaj Nihalani from CBFC. #UdtaPunjab

— Ragnar (@PshycoPaaji) May 28, 2016

Sad to see director like anurag kashyap getting in tussle with censorship and Punjab government.#UdtaKejriFundsUdtaPunjab

— Dippak ✍ (@DippakMehrotra) June 8, 2016

Pahlaj Nihalani is Kejriwal 2.0!

— @BH! (@gunjanabhishek_) June 8, 2016

A question that will haunt 31% of Indian electorates for a few days at least - “Who appointed this gem Pahlaj Nihalani as CBFC Chairman？”

— Nitin Chavan (@a20nitin) June 8, 2016

Kashyap like a child being denied a toy: Nihalani
And Pahlaj Nihalani is acting as if he's the Father of @anuragkashyap72

— Munim Aslam (@iammunimaslam) June 8, 2016

Just when we thought Pahlaj Nihalani can't get any Lower, he proved us wrong. #PaidTrendAgainstUdtaPunjab pic.twitter.com/v7ABEdx1Y9

— Sandip Pawar (@SachinistSandy) June 8, 2016

(Image: Indiatimes)