





U dta Punjab is an Indian crime film, based on drug abuse in the North Indian state of Punjab, co-written and directed by Abhishek Chaubey who has previously made films like Ishqiya and Dedh Ishqiya . Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Phantom Films, Udta Punjab stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles. Udta Punjab got engulfed in a major controversy even before its release with the Central Board of Film Certification directing the producers to make as many as 89 cuts in the film citing that the themes dealt with in the film were too mature for the general audience. However, the Bombay High Court gave the permission for the film's national release with just a solitary cut.

Shahid Kapoor as Rockstar Tommy 'Gabru' Singh in Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab

Our Rating: 7.5

IMDb Ratings : 8.2 Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt Country: India Language: Hindi Runtime: 148 min Color: Color





Udta Punjab is an eye-opening account of the ongoing drug crisis in Punjab that is fast engulfing the youth of the state. The film shows how drugs consume the mind, body and soul. The disturbing reality that Punjab has become makes one’s heart boil with anger and eyes wet with tears. The movie presents a kaleidoscopic account of how drugs enter the border state via Pakistan. How the ruthless drug lords operate under the aegis of the state machinery. How easily the youngsters get sucked into the maw of darkness, choosing to live in drug-induced utopias rather than face reality. How hard it is for their families to rehabilitate them. How badly the addicts suffer, both physically and mentally, during the withdrawal phase.

Kareena Kapoor as Dr. Preet in Udta Punjab

Udta Punjab revolves around a rockstar junkie named Tommy 'Gabru' Singh (inspired by Yo Yo Honey Singh), a Punjab Police ASI named Sartaj, a lady doctor named Preet, and a female Bihari migrant named Pinky, each of whom find themselves at the centre of the drugs crisis. Tommy Singh is a youth icon who through his revolting songs and junkie ways has convinced the youth that doing drugs is supposed to be cool. The youngsters copy his mannerisms, hailing him as their idol. But little do they know that Tommy is himself a victim of drug abuse. Tommy’s days are numbered. While his clients have deserted him, the politicians and the police are desperate to make a scapegoat out of him. Sartaj, a corrupt policeman, becomes aware of the menace of drugs and joins Dr. Preet in her fight against drugs. As for Pinky, she gets victimized by a gang of mangy drug peddlers. Thus, each of the four individuals must find courage within themselves to fight the all pervasive evil.

Alia Bhatt in Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab

Haider, Shahid gets to play a character on the brink of madness. And, although, he appears a bit over the top during a couple of sequences, he succeeds in pulling it off. Also, it’s good to see Alia in a completely different avatar. It is never easy for a young actress who regularly gets type casted to step out of the comfort zone but Alia here proves that she is certainly not averse to trying out new things. Kareena has really matured well as an actress. She puts up another solid show here to follow her brilliant turn in R. Balki’s The acting is solid all credit. Credit goes to Chaubey for eliciting worthy performances from all his actors. Again, just like in, Shahid gets to play a character on the brink of madness. And, although, he appears a bit over the top during a couple of sequences, he succeeds in pulling it off. Also, it’s good to see Alia in a completely different avatar. It is never easy for a young actress who regularly gets type casted to step out of the comfort zone but Alia here proves that she is certainly not averse to trying out new things. Kareena has really matured well as an actress. She puts up another solid show here to follow her brilliant turn in R. Balki’s Ki & Ka . But, the movie's biggest surprise package is Diljit Dosanjh who delivers an absolutely unforgettable performance. It looks like Dosanjh is here to stay. The principal cast is well backed by the supporting actors led by the veteran Satish Kaushik himself.

Diljit Dosanj as Sartaj in Udta Punjab