Udta Punjab: ‘Protests’ erupt near Ludhiana theaters;

The controversial film Udta Punjab has been released in theaters on 17 June 2016 amidst tight security. There was a heavy police presence in most Cineplex as a precautionary measure.

According to Hindustan Times, there have been reports of protests in Ludhiana and over 50 Shiv Sena activists were detained.

The response of the audience has been lukewarm for the movie and distributors are disappointed by the first day collections. However, the flick has managed to make an impression on the cine goers.

It was embroiled in a controversy with CBFC who had recommended a whopping 89 cuts and removal of the word Punjab from the film. It was after an intervention by the Mumbai High Court the film could be released.

The opening has been described as average by movie analyst and can rake only Rs 8 to 9 crore on the first day. The movie stars Shahid Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor supported by Diljit Dosanjh was released across 2000 screens in the country.

The troubles for the film did not end, and some portions of the movie were leaked online. The producers have alleged that the leak happened from the CBFC headquarters.

I&B Ministry team visits CBFC office to probe leak

An Information and Broadcasting Ministry Team led by Joint Secretary Sanjay Murthy has visited the Censor Board headquarters to investigate the leaked censor copy of the movie.

Producers of the film worked late into the night to remove the leaked copies from all available Torrent sites which are used to download movies.

The leak is being investigated by the Mumbai Police, which has registered a case under the Copyright and Information Technology Act.

The board chairperson, Pahlaj Nihalani has dismissed claims that the source of the leak was the Censor Board Office.