A technically well-made film, observes Benegal

MUMBAI: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal appreciated the Abhishek Chaubey film, Udta Punjab, at an exclusive screening organized for him in Worli, South Mumbai, on Wednesday.

HT Image

The screening came in wake of filmmakers slamming the board for its issues with the film, reportedly asking for 89 cuts and dropping of the name ‘Punjab’.

After watching the film, Benegal said, “I saw the film as an audience member and it is a technically well made film. Abhishek Chaubey (director) knows what he is making.”

However, he refused to comment further on the entire issue and said, “The makers are trying to get their censor certificate and are going through many stages so it would be morally not right for me to comment. Also I’m part of another committee so it won’t be right to comment.”

The film industry, that has been dealing with often conservative suggestions of censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani for more than a year, heaved a sigh of relief at the start of the year when the I&B ministry put together a team headed by Benegal.

The team was formed to suggest measures to help CBFC members understand the nuances of film certification, basically on how to revamp the rules set by the board. The committee submitted its recommendations in April.