Anurag Kashyap Accused of Leaking Own Film to Fuel Udta Punjab Controversy

Former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has reignited the controversy surrounding Anurag Kashyap’s 2016 film, Udta Punjab. Nihalani alleges that Kashyap himself leaked the film online to generate public outcry and pressure the CBFC amidst the demand for extensive cuts.

The Udta Punjab Censorship Battle Revisited

The release of Udta Punjab was plagued by a highly publicized battle with the CBFC, which initially demanded 94 cuts to the film due to its depiction of drug abuse in Punjab. The ensuing conflict between Kashyap and Nihalani became a major talking point, raising questions about creative freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.

Nihalani’s Claim: A Deliberate Leak?

Nihalani now claims that Kashyap orchestrated the leak of Udta Punjab to create a public relations storm. This strategy, he suggests, was designed to paint the CBFC in a negative light and force their hand in approving the film with fewer cuts. This new allegation adds another layer to the already controversial saga of Udta Punjab.