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The controversy surrounding the Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" stemmed from its portrayal of drug abuse and the political and social issues related to drug addiction in the state of Punjab, India. The film, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, was slated for release in June 2016 but encountered significant hurdles and controversy in the lead-up to its release.

1. 
   

   Censorship Battle: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), India's film censorship body, demanded multiple cuts to "Udta Punjab," including references to Punjab and its drug problem. The filmmakers objected to these demands, arguing that they were essential to the film's narrative and message. The censorship battle sparked widespread debate about artistic freedom and the role of censorship in Indian cinema.

   
   


2. 
   

   Allegations of Political Interference: The controversy surrounding "Udta Punjab" took on a political dimension, with some accusing the ruling political party in Punjab at the time, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), of attempting to suppress the film due to its portrayal of the state's drug problem. The party denied these allegations, but the controversy drew attention to the issue of drug abuse in Punjab and its political ramifications.

   
   


3. 
   

   Support from Filmmakers and Artists: Several prominent filmmakers, actors, and artists came out in support of "Udta Punjab" and its creative freedom. They argued that the film's portrayal of social issues was important for raising awareness and sparking conversations about drug addiction and related problems in society.

   
   


4. 
   

   Legal Battle and Court Intervention: The dispute between the filmmakers and the CBFC escalated into a legal battle, with the Bombay High Court ultimately ruling in favor of the film's release with minimal cuts. The court's decision was seen as a victory for freedom of expression and a blow to censorship in Indian cinema.

   
   


5. 
   

   Publicity and Box Office Success: Despite the controversy, "Udta Punjab" generated significant publicity and anticipation leading up to its release. The controversy, coupled with positive reviews and strong performances by the cast, contributed to the film's box office success and critical acclaim.

   
   

Overall, the controversy surrounding "Udta Punjab" highlighted important issues related to censorship, artistic freedom, and the portrayal of social issues in Indian cinema. While the film faced obstacles and opposition, it ultimately succeeded in sparking conversations about drug abuse and other social issues in Punjab and beyond.