The controversy over the upcoming drama Udta Punjab has acquired a new dimension, with a Punjabi filmmaker, Baljeet Singh, stating that the Abhishek Chaubey film promotes an "anti-Punjabi culture".

A Times Of India report on Monday said that Singh's film, Dhee Punjab Di, has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC, commonly referred to as the Censor Board) with a 'U' certificate. The film, as per reports and its official website, is said to be a Punjabi language drama that highlights the issues of female foeticide and drug abuse in the state.

Slated for release in mid-August, the CBFC has reportedly only asked for one cut in the film: that of a young boy snorting 'drugs'.

Singh told IANS: "They [the CBFC] said that 'Your film deserves a 'U' certificate as drugs is a pan-India issue today and it's not just restricted to Punjab'. These things are also happening in states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra." He added that he chopped that one scene himself after the board told him the scene would have a negative effect on young viewers.