E-Paper
Soumitra happy with Udta Punjab Bombay HC verdict
Soumitra Chatterjee has welcomed the Bombay High Court verdict on the Udta Punjab controversy saying only the audience have the right to censor.
Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee has welcomed the Bombay High Court verdict allowing Bollywood film Udta Punjab to release, overruling the censor board’s suggestion of 13 cuts. Chatterjee said there was no need for any censorship imposed from above. “I will say it is a correct and good judgment, because I principally don’t believe in any censorship imposed from above.”
The octogenarian said it was for the spectators to judge if something needs to be censored. “If the spectators think a portion is anti-national, or has crossed the limits of decency, they will take a decision and shun that film.”
Read: Don’t be a grandmother, says HC sets Udta Punjab free with just one cut
Chatterjee said the Bombay HC verdict has proved there was no provision of censorship in the Indian Cinematrography Act.
Read: We have a lot to do to ensure Udta Punjab releases on time, says Anurag Kashyap
However, he refused to hold the political class as a whole for controversies related to censorship. “There are those doing good politics. Why should they be blamed? It is the oppressors, those doing the politics of oppression, who should be held responsible,” he said.
Read: Don’t be overly critical of Udta Punjab, says HC
At the same time, Chatterjee harboured hope that the verdict would change the overall scenario connected to such issues. “Politics is all pervading. The Udta Punjab issue is one such happening. But the overall scenario will not change. Because is the system changing?” he asked.
