Director Nagesh Kukunoor is unsure whether Udta Punjab’s win against the Central Board Of Film Certification will benefit Indian filmmakers at large. According to him, filmmakers have been waging this war against censorship in India for a long time.
On Monday afternoon, the makers of the drug drama in North Indian state of Punjab got a favourable verdict from the Bombay High Court, after challenging the CBFC’s 89 cuts on their film.
“You know, Bandit Queen had a similar situation when Shekhar [Kapoor] went all the way to the High Court, fought and got his film through. But still the censor board reverted to do what it does best. So it’s definitely a celebration for Udta Punjab to take the matter to the court and win, but what it actually is going to do to the filmmakers, I really don’t know,” said Kukunoor speaking in Dubai on Tuesday ahead of the UAE premiere of Dhanak on Wednesday night.
His film Dhanak is shorn of big Bollywood stars but has been celebrated across major film festivals such as the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. It releases in the UAE this Thursday, along with Udta Punjab.
“Does this set a precedent or does it not set a precedent, I don’t know. We will just have to watch and see what the fallout is … Speaking personally, my first film, Hyderabad Blues, was given 91 cuts. I have been grappling with the censor board before Udta Punjab came around. I had the same fight with my first film … I have dealt with the censor board in India and fought with them many times. So personally, this doesn’t help me. My battles will continue depending on the material I attempt,” said Kukunoor.
However, his latest film is unlikely to raise any red flags with the censors as it deals with two children on a quest to meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Two siblings, one blind, embark on a journey to meet Khan, who’s filming in their state.
Read the full interview in tabloid! soon.
