Sadda Haq makers elated over SC verdict
Excited and elated with Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on the movie 'Sadda Haq', actor-producer Kuljinder Sidhu and co-producer Dinesh Sood said that the verdict had come as a big relief to the entire team
Excited and elated with Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on the movie 'Sadda Haq', actor-producer Kuljinder Sidhu and co-producer Dinesh Sood said that the verdict had come as a big relief to the entire team.
“We are all overjoyed. Ever since the verdict came, we have been flooded with congratulators calls and messages from our well-wishers around the world. This verdict is proof that freedom of expression still prevails in our country,” Sood said.
“This is a landmark judgment which has not only come as a relief to us, but will also motivate film makers across the world to pick up new subjects for their films,” Sidhu said.
Ever since the ban had been imposed on the film by state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh administration on April 4, the film-makers were trying to convince the state governments lifting the same. The movie's makers had moved Supreme Court on April 11.
Sidhu said that it was a very tough time for them since they had to undertake legal struggle as well as suffer financial losses because of the ban.
“The last 20 days have been very difficult for us. We had got different opinions from people around us; some had even asked us not to say anything against state governments. But at that time we were very badly hurt,” said Sidhu.
Now that the ban has been lifted, Sidhu said that they have started checking the availability of cinema screens and will release the film as soon as possible. “Either by this Friday or by next Friday people will get to see the film”, he said.
Sidhu also added that they were also consulting their lawyers to see if something can be done to compensate the financial losses they had to face owing to the delay in release of the film.
No issue with 'A' certification
Both the producers said that they had no issue with film being released with an 'A' certification instead of 'U' and added that they were happy that at least people will get a chance to see their film.
As for the controversial song 'Baaghi' sung by Jazzy B, Sihdu said, “The song was never a part of the film. It was just a promotional song which was available on YouTube. However we have already removed the song from YouTube nearly 10 days back.”
Meanwhile, film fraternity has hailed the Supreme Court verdict. “I would like to congratulate the film-makers. Film making involves a lot of hard work and it is a good thing that the Supreme Court recognised it. I have heard that the film is doing very well abroad and I would love to see it myself”, said Punjabi film writer-director Dheeraj Ratan.
Director Manmohan Singh also extended congratulations to the team and expressed happiness over the verdict. “I would definitely like to watch the movie,” he said.