The flick starts with a Pakistani discus thrower propelling a round parcel of heroin across the Indian border and that's where the video stops to display the film's name, a visual interpretation on how 'high' things are going to get. Udta Punjab has got its share of publicity for many reasons and if the question is watching it after all the crunch is worth it then its an absolute yes!
Udta Punjab stars Shahid Kapoor as the fading rockstar Tommy Singh, Kareena Kapoor as Dr. Preet Sahni, a staunch supporter of drug free Punjab, Alia Bhatt as a Bihari migrant and Diljit Dosanjh as Sartaj Singh, a cop who gets the true face of drugs when it hits him where it hurts.
Tommy, a regular drug user wants his share of 'inspiration' to set the stage on fire. When the now reformed cop Sartaj (thanks to Dr. Preet) shows how he has influenced the mind of youths, he tries to find a purpose in life. He does this by attempting to save a Bihari migrant who he crosses path with after her mistakes lead her to a drug mafia that almost destroys her. How all the lives converge and if their struggle can make a welcoming significant mark in the rampant drug issue forms the crux of Udta Punjab.
The aptly titled Udta Punjab tells us the evils of the white stuff and to what extent an addict would go to get their share of it. Shahid gives us a splendid performance of a star who has seen his share of things and tries to find comfort with his addiction. Alia steals the show as an immigrant who aims to settle but lands herself in trouble. Her accent and mannerisms are convincing and she captures our heart in every frame.
Diljit, as a cop who turns a blind eye for the drug menace and later turns a new leaf when his brother becomes a victim, along with Kareena share a track that seems to be the weakest among the three of them. Ironically, its Diljit's performance that makes this particular track watchable. As Tommy's manager, Satish Kaushik shows why he's a veteran with his amazing role.
The witty and humorous first half is a treat to watch thanks to the tone and stand against drugs when compared to the second half that has its share of flaws. Director Abhishek Chaubey has shown us another face of a state that's known for its vast fields and ever friendly folks. He has weaved a powerful story which he showcases with dramatic flair. The balance he maintains with the drug-lords and politicians is commendable. The dialogues, mostly in Punjabi are rooted and authentic. Rajeev Ravi's cinematography is a huge plus point considering the dark tone of the film.
The abundant use of cuss words might not be suitable for all thereby making this a film not suitable for family audience, but that doesn't stop it from being an entertaining commercial flick that warrants a watch.
Udta Punjab stars Shahid Kapoor as the fading rockstar Tommy Singh, Kareena Kapoor as Dr. Preet Sahni, a staunch supporter of drug free Punjab, Alia Bhatt as a Bihari migrant and Diljit Dosanjh as Sartaj Singh, a cop who gets the true face of drugs when it hits him where it hurts.
Tommy, a regular drug user wants his share of 'inspiration' to set the stage on fire. When the now reformed cop Sartaj (thanks to Dr. Preet) shows how he has influenced the mind of youths, he tries to find a purpose in life. He does this by attempting to save a Bihari migrant who he crosses path with after her mistakes lead her to a drug mafia that almost destroys her. How all the lives converge and if their struggle can make a welcoming significant mark in the rampant drug issue forms the crux of Udta Punjab.
The aptly titled Udta Punjab tells us the evils of the white stuff and to what extent an addict would go to get their share of it. Shahid gives us a splendid performance of a star who has seen his share of things and tries to find comfort with his addiction. Alia steals the show as an immigrant who aims to settle but lands herself in trouble. Her accent and mannerisms are convincing and she captures our heart in every frame.
Diljit, as a cop who turns a blind eye for the drug menace and later turns a new leaf when his brother becomes a victim, along with Kareena share a track that seems to be the weakest among the three of them. Ironically, its Diljit's performance that makes this particular track watchable. As Tommy's manager, Satish Kaushik shows why he's a veteran with his amazing role.
The witty and humorous first half is a treat to watch thanks to the tone and stand against drugs when compared to the second half that has its share of flaws. Director Abhishek Chaubey has shown us another face of a state that's known for its vast fields and ever friendly folks. He has weaved a powerful story which he showcases with dramatic flair. The balance he maintains with the drug-lords and politicians is commendable. The dialogues, mostly in Punjabi are rooted and authentic. Rajeev Ravi's cinematography is a huge plus point considering the dark tone of the film.
The abundant use of cuss words might not be suitable for all thereby making this a film not suitable for family audience, but that doesn't stop it from being an entertaining commercial flick that warrants a watch.
