Aamir Khan on Thursday said if the leaked version of "Udta Punjab" online is a censor board copy, it will reflect very badly on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Also, he says he will watch the film himself in Punjab.
On Wednesday, a leaked copy of the movie emerged on Torrent websites for illegal downloads, and makers tried to remove it on a war footing. It was removed from several platforms due to a copyright complaint, but the damage had been done.
As per multiple online platforms which had snapshots from the leaked copy, one could say it was a copy of the film submitted to the CBFC as it also seemed to feature some scenes which the censor board had objected to.
Let's support free speech. Let's watch Udta Punjab only in theatres. Don't let pirates and piracy win. Love. a.
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) June 16, 2016
Asked to comment on the matter, Aamir told select media here on the sidelines of the shooting of "Dangal": "If it's not confirmed (whether censor board itself has leaked it film), I can't comment on it. If it is a censor copy, though we are not sure whether it is, then it's a big shame for the CBFC. It's something which will reflect very badly on the CBFC."
However, the actor-producer said that in case "it's not a censor copy, then piracy is an issue that we have been fighting for very long."
Not sure whether it was CBFC copy. But if it's a censor copy then it's a shame on CBFC: @aamir_khan #WhoLeakedUdtahttps://t.co/wUpCRMuAmL
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) June 16, 2016
Aamir, who is currently shooting for the upcoming film "Dangal" here, says that the common man, who watches the pirated version "doesn't understand that is committing a crime".
The 51-year-old actor says there needs to be increased sensitivity to piracy as filmmakers put in a lot of hard work behind each project.
"Udta Punjab" makers have gone through their share of struggle in seeking a release certificate from the CBFC, which first suggested 89 cuts in the movie, but later the Revising Committee asked for 13 cuts.
Ultimately, the makers moved the Bombay High Court which on Monday overruled the CBFC-recommended cuts to the film and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers by the filmmakers.
Aamir feels the Bombay High Court verdict is right, and added that he is eagerly waiting for the film.
"I'll watch the film in Punjab only as I'm shooting here," the "Ghulam" star said.
ANURAG KASHYAP HINTS AT VESTED INTERESTS IN 'UDTA PUNJAB' LEAK
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has hinted at "vested interests" behind the onlike leak of his co-production "Udta Punjab".
The controversial film leaked online on Wednesday, two days ahead of its scheduled release in theatres. The Abhishek Chaubey directorial -- which has been in news for the makers' run-in with the censor board -- was available on torrent websites for illegal download.
Kashyap addressed his concerns over piracy and urged his fans to refrain from downloading the film until its big screen release.
It's a film from the heart made for you all. And now it's in your hands. #piracydimaadi make it count you all. love and gratitude.#letitfly
— Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 15, 2016
"Piracy happens because of lack of access and in a world of free internet, I do not have a problem with it. My problem is that this time its a case of vested interests trying to demoralise people from fighting for their rights," Kashyap wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.
"So all downloaders of 'Udta Punjab', I urge, wait till Saturday till you decide to not pay for the film, don't download and share, curb the curiosity for two more days. Thank you for reading this," he added.
He said that this time it's a "different fight, a fight against censorship".
"I have never downloaded a film on torrent, I don't know how to. Yes, occasionally I have seen downloaded films borrowed from friends and found a way to pay for them later, by buying them on DVD or Blu-ray, and when I say this, I also say that no one can stop your right to download a film," Kashyap wrote.
"This time it's a different fight. It is a fight against censorship, and if you are that audience that always downloads a film, then I won't ask you to not do that -- please do, but wait till Saturday which is the day you would normally download a film," he added.
The film, co-produced by Phanton Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, features Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. It releases on Friday.
'UDTA PUNJAB' CLEARS ALL HURDLES FOR FRIDAY RELEASE
Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" will hit the theatres on Friday after the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to block a Bombay High Court order allowing its release while the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed petitions seeking a stay on it. The film's makers and trade experts are hopeful the movie will fly high at the box office.
The Abhishek Chaubey-directed movie, based on the festering drug menace in Punjab, is slated to release in over 2,000 screens, according to its makers. Pre-bookings are on in full swing despite the film getting leaked online on Wednesday.
“Advance booking for 'Udta Punjab' is picking up rapidly. The censor controversy has added on to the rising curiosity amongst viewers. I think everybody wants to watch it. Fifty percent of the bookings are done for the Friday-Saturday shows,” Devang Sampat, Director - Strategy Initiative, Cinépolis India, told IANS.
Distributor Rajesh Thadani said: "There are great expectations from this film. I'm hoping it will get around Rs 15-20 crore on its opening day provided it is released well in Punjab and Haryana as well."
Punjab-based film distributor Surendra Saluja is confident the movie will do "great business" in the state.
"I've heard a few people are planning to protest against the film, but I don’t think this will affect it in anyway. The movie has sailed through so many troubles so far, so nothing can affect it any more," he said.
"Udta Punjab" has been mired in controversy after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered a whopping 89 cuts to make it fit for release with an 'A' certificate. The number was scaled down to 13 later.
Eventually, the Bombay High Court gave its green signal with just one cut -- in a scene featuring hero Shahid Kapoor urinating in public. It also asked the producers to carry three disclaimers: "We do not promote the use of drugs", "We do not promote the use of cuss words" and "We are not attacking any particular state".
Until Wednesday evening, the makers were uncertain whether the movie will release on Friday or not as fresh legal problems cropped up. Punjab-based Human Rights Awareness Association moved the apex court to put on hold its screening saying it showed Punjab in poor light.
However, "Udta Punjab" makers received the censor certificate late on Wednesday. Strangely, it had the names of the Bombay High Court judges who gave the verdict.
But problems still remained.
Those were resolved on Thursday when the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a bunch of petitions seeking a stay on it claiming poor projection of Punjab and its people. This happened soon after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with its release.
After the film was leaked on Wednesday, its team managed to remove it online on war footing.
Anurag Kashyap, the film's co-producer, hinting at the CBFC, said the leak was a "case of vested interests trying to demoralise people from fighting for their rights".
The movie's lead actors, Shahid and Alia Bhatt, and other Bollywood celebrities urged the audience to avoid watching the leaked version.
"It's a film from the heart made for you all. And now it's in your hands," Shahid tweeted.
The film, co-produced by Phanton Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, also features Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.
WATCH 'UDTA PUNJAB' ONLY IN THEATRES, URGE B-TOWN CELEBS
Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, lead actors of "Udta Punjab", among other celebrities from Bollywood have urged their fans not to waste two years of their hard work by watching the pirated version of the film and instead watch it only in the theatres.
"Guys please please do not waste two years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears... Please watch 'Udta Punjab' only in theatres," Alia tweeted.
Shahid, who will be seen playing a rockstar named Tommy Singh in the film, shared: "Blood and sweat of many in this film. It's been your battle as much as ours. Now is the time you can show it. Watch 'Udta Punjab' in theatres."
The controversial film "Udta Punjab" was leaked online on Wednesday, two days ahead of its scheduled release in theatres. The Abhishek Chaubey directorial -- which has been in news for the makers' run-in with the censor board -- was available on torrent websites for illegal download.
However, soon the download links were "removed due to a copyright complaint".
Visibly upset with the online leaks, Bollywood celebrities including Karan Johar, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Sonakshi Sinha requested people to head to the theatres to watch "Udta Punjab", based on drug abuse in the Indian state of Punjab.
Here's what tinsel town celebrities had to say:
Karan Johar: Please watch 'Udta Punjab' in the cinema this weekend! Don't succumb to online leaks! An honest film needs an honest audience. Let it fly.
Varun Dhawan: A big 'Dishoom' to the pirates. Go watch 'Udta Punjab' only in the theatre.
Arjun Kapoor: Viruses in the 'Udta Punjab' online leaked links that crashes systems! What a way to fight this disgusting menace! Piracy di maa di.
Sonakshi Sinha: Shocking how 'Udta Punjab' has been leaked online. That too a censor copy. A lot of hard work goes into making a film pls say no to piracy!
Sidharth Malhotra: Movie theatres are filled with dreams and entertainment, don't kill them! Say no to piracy!
Shraddha Kapoor: Films are made with the hard work and passion of everyone involved in creating them. Please don't support piracy.
Goldie Behl: Unfortunately it takes 'Udta Punjab' leaked for Bollywood to speak up (on) anti-piracy. Hope we to stop pirating international content Piracy di maa di.
Huma Qureshi: Common guys support good cinema! Piracy di maa di 'Udta Punjab'.
Raftaar: 'Udta Punjab' leaked 'Udta Punjab' only in theatres. The movie has a good cause. Support karo.
Badshah: People, watch 'Udta Punjab' in theatres please that will be our way of rewarding these hardworking people. 'Udta Punjab' leaked.
Anubhav Sinha: Hearing of the film leak. I am depressed. Imagine people who are so heavily invested. Physically, emotionally, financially. Don't do this
Harshvardhan Kapoor: Please go watch 'Udta Punjab' in cinemas with the Dolby Atmos mix and in its 4K presentation. It makes a difference.
Guneet Monga: 'Udta Punjab' only in theatre! I pledge!
