Benegal calls HC ruling on 'Udta Punjab' a 'mature verdict'

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who is heading a committee for revamp of the censor board, today welcomed the Bombay High Court's verdict clearing the release of "Udta Punjab" which set aside the cuts suggested by the CBFC.
The court asked the makers to delete just one scene and put a revised disclaimer instead of the multiple cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification, which had asked the makers to remove references to Punjab from the drug-themed film.
"I think this is a very mature verdict. It's a good verdict. It shows that the court has taken note of the seriousness of the subject as well as the ability of the film to address the subject. Running a disclaimer and cutting out a scene are not a problem for the makers," Benegal told PTI.

The director, 81, saw the movie at a special screening recently and had praised the director's handling of the subject but had stopped short of criticising the board at that time, citing conflict of interest as he was heading the revamp committee.
He, however, today said the board should not act like a parent to the filmmakers, who had already asked for an 'A' certificate.