Actor Shahid Kapoor, who has featured in "Udta Punjab" based on drug abuse in Punjab, has thanked the audience for praising the Abhishek Chaubey directorial. He has even given thumbs up to "honest and fearless cinema".

The controversial film collected Rs.10.05 crore on its opening day on Friday in the country. It has also been lauded by celebrities like Kunal Kohli, Rajkumar Hirani, Guneet Monga and Ayushmann Khurrana.

"Humbled and thankful. Your love has been overwhelming. More power to honest, fearless cinema. Thank you all," Shahid tweeted on Sunday.

"Udta Punjab" makers experienced problem in securing a release certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which first suggested as many as 89 cuts in the movie. Thereafter, its Revising Committee asked for 13 cuts. 

Ultimately, the makers moved the Bombay High Court which overruled the CBFC-recommended cuts to the film and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers by the filmmakers.

(IANS)