Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, Satish Kaushik, Prabhjyot Singh, Harpreet Singh
Banner: Balaji Motion Pictures, Phantom Films
Music: Amit Trivedi (Original Songs), Background Score- Benedict Taylor & Naren Chandavarkar
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
Editor: Meghana Sen
Story & Screenplay: Sudip Sharma & Abhishek Chaubey
Dialogues: Sudip Sharma
Producers: Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Aman Gill, Vikas Bahl, Sameer Nair
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
A bold, unconventional & insightful film on drug menace & war on drugs
Plot:
Balli (Probjyoth Singh), the younger brother of ASI Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh) is a drug addict like many in Punjab. Preet Sahni (Kareena Kapoor) is a doctor committed to battle the war against the drug menace in Punjab through her activities and rehabilitation centre. Sartaj seeks recovery of his brother in Preet’s rehab centre. On the other hand Tommy Singh aka Gabru is an insane rockstar who is at a low ebb in his career due to his drug addiction. And Pinky (Alia Bhatt) is a hockey player turned migrated labour from Bihar who eventually falls victim to drug mafia. Sartaj inspired by Preet’s commitment and hardwork helps her fight the narcopoliticsand bust the drug mafia.How lethal did the journey of Sartaj, Preet, Tommy & Pinky turn out and how did they emerge triumphant at the cost of their lives forms the rest of the story.
Performances:
All the lead cast especially Shahid, Alia, Diljit, Kareena and others delivered a stellar in the film. We can just see the characters and the drama come alive – due credits to their incredible performances. No wonder someone’s bagging an award here (only if there are no politics of any sort here!).
Analysis:
Though we too wanted to offer a lengthy disclaimer just like the makers, we are not (because we found a relatively shorter one)
“Go for it only if you are a non-conservative adult wanting to watch a disturbing yet insightful film on drug menace and war on drugs with all the time and patience you have (but not with family if you are a Sanskari) & don’t count the cuss words”
Because this is a film that throws light upon a lethalmenace Punjab (and its territories) are experiencing and the battle they are waging over the years with a bold, sharp, rustic and unconventional cinematic language that we are not used to often. The best part is that director Abhishey Chaubey doesn’t mince words in pointing out the ground reality and dealing the issue without glorifying it much. It tries to portray the murky reality of narco-politics, the extremities of drug addiction, the pain that the families of drug addicts go through and lastly what it takes to fight it as well.
Keeping aside the issue for a while, the director uses the cinematic language to the best of his ability. With his characters and their emotions so real, intense and a narrative so bold and effective blending style and dark humour, Udta Punjab is a must watch for all the hatkes out there!
Udta Punjab can even leave you with a nasha if you can acknowledge and appreciate realistic filmy language. The film takes its own time to unfurl and conclude – not the usual stuff you smoke often -mind it!
Music:
This album explains why Amit is one of the supremely talented composers out there. Name any genre, he’ll do magic! And the back ground score has been so timely in sync with the mood of the film and indeed the key asset.
Others:
Cinematography, Production design deserves a special mention.
Verdict:
Udta Punjab is a bold, unconventional & insightful film on drug menace & war on drugs. Not the usual stuff you watch or want to watch!
ALSO READ: Udta Punjab Dialogues Video
