When it comes to clamping down artistic freedom, Indian and Pakistan censor boards seems to have a lot in common. The Pakistan censor board has ordered 100 cuts in Udta Punjab, prompting the makers of the film to decide against releasing the film in Pakistan.
According to reports, Pakistan's CBFC has ordered at least 100 cuts and beeping out of several words in the film, should it be allowed to release in its country.
However, producers of Udta Punjab see no point in releasing the film in Pakistan with so many cuts even it means loss of revenue.
"It definitely means loss of revenue if the film is not released in Pakistan. But more than that... it would make no sense to release it with the said cuts. The film is intended to convey something and make a point," director Abhishek Chaubey told Times of India.
Udta Punjab makers had a beef with India's CBFC, which ordered 89 cuts and several other changes. The issue forced the filmmakers to move the court after which they released the film with a single cut and 'A' certificate.
However, moving court to fight censorship in Pakistan is not an option for the filmmakers. So they have decided not to release the film there.
Udta Punjab, meanwhile, has earned Rs 48.50 crore in its opening week in India. The film's collection may have been better had the film not been leaked on the internet.
