Udta Punjab: Interesting statements made by the team

On September 23, The Times of India had brought to your notice that the Shahid Kapoor-Alia Bhatt- Kareena Kapoor-starrer ‘Udta Punjab’ shared a similar plot with that of Ben Elton’s novel ‘High Society.’ Everything from the film’s name - 'High' means 'Udta' and 'Society' is referred here as a 'Punjab'- to the characters shared a strikingly similar sketch to the characters in the book. When contacted then, director of the film, Abhishek Chaubey and writer Sudip Sharma refused to comment on the same. Now producer Anurag Kashyap opened up to a daily saying that he was ‘completely shocked’ by these allegations and that he had not read the book. He went on to say that his director and writer had done a lot of research in Punjab and that even if they were ‘inspired’ by the book, they did a ‘damn good job in the writing of the script.’ While Anurag may not have read the book, his script writer admitted reading the novel but claimed that he couldn’t remember much of it. He refuted plagiarism claims saying that he used Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Traffic’ and an article in a newspaper as his inspiration.

Anurag Kashyap's much talked venture, 'Udta Punjab' has got immense attention due to its Censor Board controversy. The Bombay High Court's verdict of just one cut in the movie has given the entire team a sigh of relief and with this the movie is ready to fly on June 17. Let's have a look at some interesting statements which the team members have made about the movie, the controversy and much more…

Anurag Kashyap
'
'Udta Punjab', which brings to the big screen Punjab's menacing issue of drug abuse, is an "honest" portrayal of the situation, says the film's co-producer Anurag Kashyap in response to the a demand by the Censor Board to chop out any reference to Punjab in the movie.

"There is no film more honest than 'Udta Punjab'... And any person or party opposing it is actually guilty of promoting drugs," Kashyap tweeted.

Whatever issues we have with ‪#‎NihalaniPahlaj is only restricted to this film. The whole system needs an overhaul not just Mr. Nihalani Pahlaj

"When we didn't get the letter, I got calls from political parties and I told everyone to stay out of it." "The industry became one this time and that has put a pressure on them (CBFC). The voice was mine but everybody was behind me. I have never seen this kind of support."

"Some people doubted our intentions. Some said we had political associations."

Shahid Kapoor

"Why are we looking at controversies to divide people? Are you not Indian? Isn't drugs a problem for you?. You can't create awareness unless you speak the truth. I feel extremely fortunate that we're sitting here, three days before outr film's release talking about freedom. I feel fortunate to be a part of the country whose judiciary is so sensible."

"Landmark judgement#UdtaPunjab will fly and so will the voice of freedom and expression. Thank you all for the support. This is your victory."

"The audience today should be treated like adults. He believes that the audience today wants to watch any content that's good, and they should be allowed to do so. Beyond a point no one should decide what they should watch and what they should not."

"Personally, I wouldn't have wanted this film to be passed with any cuts."

Alia Bhatt

"When I came to know that the cuts have been suggested, I asked my father, "But why, but how?" "We all were together and we chose not to say anything because things could be misinterpreted"

"'Udta Punjab' is not to condemn those involved in drug problems but to empathise with their struggle to emerge out of it"

"Whosoever watches the film, he/she will realise it is a story, which is important because it is almost like education of what the situation is. We are not attacking anybody in particular, we are showing a perspective, it's a backdrop.The problem is not only in Punjab, it is in India. We are not targeting India, in fact this exists in the world. People are battling it, they are dying at young age. It is very sad to hear these things.

"We are not being preachy and saying that you are wrong if you are a drug addict. In fact, we are empathizing with them because it's a battle. Full mention and regard has been given to that."

Diljit Dosanjh

"I'm very happy with the support we received from film industry and the media"

Ekta Kapoor

"We won't open the film too wide but it will still be a big release"

"I and Anurag have discussed that we should have only one spokesperson instead of having various people talk. That's why I have decided to have a no comments stand to everything."

Kareena Kapoor

"It is important for actors to do films on issues prevalent in the society and is hopeful that the message conveyed in her upcoming movie " Udta Punjab " will come out effectively on screen."

"The reason I did 'Udta Punjab' is because there is no small or big role. And even if my role is a special one in the film, if we actors don't do these kinds of films, the message (about drug menace) will never be out"