India's censor board asks Bollywood film 'Udta Punjab' to drop half of its name, Twitter reacts

The forthcoming Hindi film 'Udta Punjab' deals with the problem of drug addiction among the youth of the state of Punjab. However, its release on June 17 has been stalled by India's censor board, which has asked the makers of the film to remove all references to Punjab, politics and elections and make over 80 cuts.

The film stars prominent Bollywood actors such as Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt. The censorship is reportedly linked to political factors, especially opposition from Punjab's ruling political party Akali Dal and the fact that the state is holding elections in 2017.

“The movie is tarnishing the image of Punjab and its people by showing them as drug addicts,” a party member told reporters.

In response, the film's producer Anurag Kashyap referenced the dictatorial government in North Korea in his criticism of the decision. "I always wondered what it felt like to live in North Korea," he wrote on Twitter. "I don't even need to catch a plane now." 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Several other members of the film industry tweeted against the cuts.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

  The decision hasn't gone down well numerous film lovers on Twitter either.  

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.