Shahid Kapoor: Whoever wanted to stop Udta Punjab release helped hype the film

After yesterday's landmark judgement by the Bombay High Court, in favour of the filmmakers of Udta Punjab, the team of one of the most controversial films in recent times addressed the media in a press conference in Mumbai. The court dismissed 12 out of the 13 cuts ordered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and asked the Board to submit a fresh Adults Only (A) certificate within 48 hours. 

The conference was attended by actors Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh, Alia Bhatt, director Abhishek Chaubey and producers Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl and Ekta Kapoor.

Speaking about the verdict, producer Vikas Bahl said, "Yesterday's verdict was fantastic for all of us, for the country. With freedom comes responsibility on our shoulders to do the right thing. Udta Punjab should release on 17 July now." 

Happy about the court's verdict, the film's lead star Shahid Kapoor said, “I think we are all here to represent a film and freedom of expression. We are here because we are very happy  I actually appreciated that they have given the cut. But personally I didn’t want that cut also because that’s my scene. But anyway, I have a due respect for the honourable judge who passed this judgement. I want to thank Anurag for taking this huge responsibility. It was very selfless. Especially, when he had his film release just a week ahead  Raman Raghav 2.0. I have complete respect for the judgement.”

“Jo nahi chahta tha ye film release ho have in a way helped hype the film. But just a few days back, I was worried if the film will release or not. I went on to introspect if I did anything wrong. I did this film because I was worried about my brother and sister, and I did it to create the awareness among youth of not to do drugs. We always show beautiful things but if we keep doing that then who will talk about this issue. I am happy that there is a huge curiosity among the people for the film. I feel relieved that the High Court has passed this judgement," added Shahid on entire controversy. 

"When Matthew Mcconaughey worked in Dallas Buyers Club we applauded him. Nobody said that in the film Dallas was shown in a bad light, as a place only full of people with aids," he added later.

Udta Punjab is slated to release on 17 June.