Udta Punjab

Controversies surrounding "Udta Punjab" finally comes to end as the dark-thriller drama releases today with high expectation thanks to the unwanted publicity it received. As the film was on the verge of getting released, I was wondering what led CBFC (Center Board Of Film Certification) to 89 cuts. We have seen films more violent and more brutal than this. Isn't the subject of "Udta Punjab" required to show the true facts and figures. I must say it was a bold and raw film which should be applauded for its genuine attempt.

"Udta Punjab" is story of 4 people whose lives have been influenced by the drug menace very much evident in the North Indian state of Punjab where it becomes easy money for peddlers selling heroin and opium through the safe hands of politicians.

Director Abhishek Chaubey, previously helmed the well-liked Ishqiya and not-so good Dedh Ishqiya, took a step forward and created a niche subject never been attempted on Indian cinema before. Hats off to him and definitely to the producer Anurag Kashyap for taking his stand through out the controversies surrounding the film. Now coming to the film, the opening scene caters to the subject of drugs easily being exported from neighboring county (an athlete throws a packet of heroin like a "discus throw") and falling into our motherland as if some UFO has landed from space. Subsequent scenes introduces the four main protagonist and each character has been defined appropriately. Till the 1st half, you will be completely kept engrossed thanks to the tight screenplay (ofcourse you will wondering why the film was censored). Second half starts with some promise but goes down the deep rabbit hole and never ever recovers from there. Too much of melodrama and unwanted editing loses the steam built by the engaging first half. The easy access to the drug factory by Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor and sneaking out with less effort with out even getting noticed by anyone is indigestible, the human connection between Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt is far stretched and the climax fight scenes are pretty abrupt which dilutes the impact of second half.

Nevertheless, the film is a brave attempt and nail-biting moments like Alia Bhatt fighting back from getting injected with drugs, her frustration venting out when she meets Shahid Kapoor after the concert and the chemistry between Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor are some of the highlights of the film. The art direction is splendid along with creative cinematography. Background score is good. Music by Amit Trivedi is mindblowing as it further sets the mood of the film. The title track "Udta Punjab" and "Da Da Dasse" is pick of a lot. "Udta Punjab" is definitely a performance oriented film and that is the key element to watch the film. Among the four main protagonist, Alia Bhatt steals the show. The gifted actor is simply superb as Biharan who lands herself as a migrant ( though she is state-level hockey player). Watch out for her when she kills the guy responsible for her messy state by continuously venting out her frustration. Shahid Kapoor was just about okay in the role that required more intense which was clearly missing. Kareena Kapoor was subtle as Preet. I like her when she plays more simpler characters. Diljit Dosanjh was a good surprise. The Punjabi superstar manages to make an impression inspite of his first Bollywood film.

Overall, "Udta Punjab" is definitely a gritty and dark film which should be appreciated for its solid facts and phenomenal performances.

so last few days,the outrage about this movie being under such circumstances and all.. has finally released..and the movie is so honest.. being a resident of Punjab i can say that yes!! this is Punjab.. Punjabi's are not what Bollywood used to show before doing "bale bale Shava Shava....oh Bhaji oh Bhaji" no its not Punjab.. this is Punjab.. 70% of Punjab's youth consume drugs.. and this is unstoppable off course.. Phantom has done it again.. The creativity of Abhishek Chaubey,Vikrmadatiya Motwane,Anurag Kashyap and Vikas Behl is not the new thing i m amazed with..they are the best Shahid Kapoor-oh my god..what a performer what a dedication..what a choice of role he has made.. Diljit Dosanjh- Sir welcome in Bollywood i knew u gonna rock..superb role..as usual.. Alia Bhatt-a way to go lady..this performance is for decades.. i am her biggest fan After Highway Kareena Kapoor-finally madam a good movie for you to prove yourself that why are you ruling millions of Heart from Years.. A salute to film makers yes.. the environment the movie is set in is disturbing.. People follow the Punjabi singers that talk about drugs and all.. Punjabi singers talk about riffles luxury cars and all.. while in reality the Punjab is all about (Jameen ban jar Te Aulaad Kanjar) god bless Punjab and may the political environment encouraging the drugs soon be out of our "used to be" prosperous state.. :) thanks phantom

I have watched a movie and It is amazing. As i am a Punjabi and I have seen lot of Druggist in Punjab. And What movie has shown is totally correct/similar. Nothing was there that censor have to ban. And Only few movies are there in Bollywood who have shown this kind of reality without any fear. Hats of to the Director.

Initially, All were saying that there is some political character that should not be there in the movie. That is totally wrong. There is nothing like that in the movie.

Also Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have superb role in this. Diljit had played well as this was his first movie. In short I have totally enjoyed the movie.

#UDTAPUNJAB SALUTE TO MAKERS! EXCELLENT FILM! 9.5*! Diljit Dosanjh is very very good and so is Kareena Kapoor. On the other hand, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are phenomenal! #UdtaPunjab #UdtaPunjab spreads awareness about a very important issue in a very entertaining manner! This film is hilarious in many parts! And still, its emotional content is too strong! Excellent work on direction,writing,screenplay,editing. Never bores you. #UdtaPunjab #UdtaPunjab is a must watch! This film, while dealing with an important issue, doesn't preach. It grips you with it's emotional... ...and funny content! I salute the makers for making such a bold film! #UdtaPunjab 9.5* from me! Alia's performance as a field worker is commendable. Her struggle to escape the harsh reality is met with horrific consequences but she is a fighter, who survives the storm. The impact is such that it will stay with you even when you leave the theater.

I am feeling proud that someone thought to make this kind of movie, which seriously shows what punjab is now. I am not feeling proud for what punjab is, but sure m proud of the team who decides to show it present identity and also the team who suffers from censor board's decisions and Hon'ble High Court decisions and now fighting with the unstoppable pirecy. Feeling very shameful for this person who pirated the copy before release shame on you man. You spoil the whole hard work of this team. But i watched this in theater and seriously different movie and awesome script. I wish it may be inspirational for the addicted of Punjab and other states. I wish all the best to all the team for next movie and hope for these kind of innovations from the all team and cast. I love the movie good luck.