‘Udta Punjab’ Movie Review: A gripping tale that deserves your time

Directed by: Abhishek Chaubey
Produced by: Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh
Duration: 2 hours 28 minute
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3.5/5

A much-awaited, much-talked about and much-needed film, ‘Udta Punjab’ has finally made its way to the big screen and we are glad the Bombay High Court did not chop off its wings, and let it fly. This Abhishek Chaubey directorial starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh, is definitely an eye opener for all those who have been turning a deaf ear to the menace of drug abuse.

By now, we very well know what the backdrop of the film is, thanks to the Censor Board and its dictation of 89 cuts. It is about the rampant usage of drugs in parts of Punjab and how it affects the youth and adults alike. Through the central characters Tommy Singh played by Shahid, a Bihari migrant played by Alia Bhatt, an ASI officer played by Diljit Dosanjh and Dr Preet played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, the director has fairly managed to summarise how can drugs take a toll on someone’s life and all those related to them.

Shahid’s character rockstar Tommy Singh aka Gabbru is always under the influence of drugs and comes up with songs which revolve around the same subject and hence, he is the favourite of the youth. But the poor guy has to suffer a lot when he decides to do the opposite after realisation dawns upon him. Alia is one small town girl who is in search of a good life. By her definition, ‘aacha time’ means chilling on the beach of Goa. Unfortunately, her life turns into living hell when she comes in contact of drugs. Diljit, who is playing a police officer, was a complete surprise. Initially, he is one of those corrupt officers who later realises the ill-effect of drugs when his own brother gets addicted to heroin. Kareena is the one who joins Diljit to conduct a sting operation against the illegal drug racket. How and when the lives of these four collide with each other is what we will leave for you to watch.
There are no two opinions that each actor has given a stellar performance in the film, including the supporting cast. Shahid as Tommy, is bang on. He has drenched himself in the Rockstar avatar and how! Even though ‘Haider’ remains his best performance so far, Tommy Singh is one character of Shahid that will remain etched in your minds forever. Alia seems to have excelled in the stream of versatility. From her Bihari accent to the way she carries herself, everything she does is flawless. Diljit is like a feel good factor of the film. The Punjabi munda can act and definitely be a lead. Kareena on the other hand, does not have an aggressive role like the rest; but she has done a decent job.

Abhishek’s vision in making the film the way it has been made is applause worthy. The blend of nonchalant humour with callous emotions is something that will keep you hooked. The cinematography of the film is brilliant and we’re glad that the Bombay High Court did not order the makers to remove all the abuses and other objectionable stuff from the film as the essence of ‘Udta Punjab’ would have died. The editing is neat and an extra credit goes to the music director for the amazing numbers. Composer Amit Trivedi has scored really well with the songs.

Surprisingly, even though Anurag Kashyap has only produced and not directed the film, the film holds that aura of a dark Anurag Kashyap film.

If only there was more of Shahid in the first half; he is barely seen in the first half that leaves you wondering about his role. We would have loved to see more madness from Tommy as that’s what we expected, given the hype that was created. Even the love angle between Diljit and Kareena seems to be filmy in a set up like that of ‘Udta Punjab’.

But, overall, ‘Udta Punjab’ has the potential to fly high with shining colours.

‘Drugs Di Maa Di.’