Vikas Bahl seeks 'A' certificate for 'Udta Punjab'

Mumbai: Filmmaker Vikas Bahl, who has co-produced "Udta Punjab", says the team will insist the censor board to give the movie an 'A' certificate.

"Udta Punjab," directed by Abhishek Chaubey, is being made after four years of research and is based on the drug-related problems prevalent in Punjab.

"I would insist the board to give us an adult certificate. This film has been made for an age group of a certain number and above that," Bahl told reporters.
"However, I think CBFC is going through a process to come to a point where people understand what they're trying to do. There seem to be fluctuations in some of the decisions but I think that's a process," he added.

Bahl said people will eventually come to realise that some of the decisions of the board are justified and feels "Udta Punjab" will be viewed in the right context.

"I personally think, they are coming to a point where people after some time will feel that some decisions are justified and they're having good results with the audience," he said.

"This film is adult. We should get an adult certificate. I think everything, if seen in the right context, will get the right judgement," Bahl added.

The film stars Shahid Kapoor as a high-on-drugs rockstar Tommy Singh, Alia Bhatt as a Bihari migrant.

Kareena Kapoor Khan plays a doctor determined to fight the illegal transportation of drugs, while Diljit Dosanjh portrays a police officer.

The "Queen" director said cuts in a film do hamper the creative process but feels the board makes sure that the message does not get diluted.

"It does happen at times that there is something you've conceived and in case there is a cut it doesn't convey the right message. But I think most of the times when you see it in the overall context, and the CBFC does that, they try to ensure that the message is not diluted."

"Udta Punjab" is scheduled to release on June 17.