Well to begin with, I would like to say that I have come across a lot of films based on reality that have stirring content but have never witnessed anything like Udta Punjab before. It is a bold, disturbing, poignant and veracious take on the tragic authenticity of drugs issue in Punjab. It's exceptionally well made that you will feel for the people, especially youth of this state. Abhishek Chaubey's direction & storytelling engages you right from the word go till the movie ends, through three parallel sagas, each having its own problems and sufferings. Shahid's part where he's playing a cocaine addict is uniquely amusing that reflects how a popular rockstar gets damaged due to this huge menace, Alia's episode is hard hitting plus deeply heartwrenching which mirrors a poor girl with high dreams becoming a prey of this harmful hiccup. Then there's third aspect that features Diljit & Kareena, shows how an unfaithful police force supported by some corrupt politicians ruin the state's youth courtesy creating & encouraging this dreadful drugs abuse for their own financial sake.
So Udta Punjab is an extremely serious & significant film told magnificently on celluloid, thanks to a stellar script also boasted with robust performances, excellent soundtrack, brilliant cinematography & background score. Only at a couple of places post intermission, the screenplay goes lazy and looks a bit tiring but overall the movie is so gripping & powerful that one can easily swallow it's minor flaws. Also expectedly, Amit Trivedi's music adds magic to this brave film. Each song takes the story forward and appeals immensely. ChittaVe, Ikk Kudi & DaDa Dasse being the best ones while Vadiya & the title track leave a lasting impression. But the biggest strength of this realistic drama is its faultless ensemble acts that brings life to it. Shahid Kapoor, the leading man here once again goes out of his comfort zone (post Kaminey & Haider) and delivers an incredibly striking performance that's both entertaining as well as fascinating. He commands the screen the moment he shows up. His character is the most interesting one amongst the four leads. He's vulgar, vulnerable and unpredictable. His dialogue delivery, way of throwing cuss words, expressions through eyes all are simply top notch. The best way to describe Shahid's corking performance is that he never went out of his character just for a second even. It's an award winning act. Indeed it is one. Then there's Alia who amazes me to a great extent. It's a role of a lifetime and the courageous actress nailed it completely via her heartfelt show. She is the heart of this movie and deserves every praise & accolade for this wonderful performance. I have never seen such depth, pain & maturity in her before this. Thus I was stunned by this crackling performer. Kareena, meanwhile, plays her part with assured nuances and comes out fully natural as one would expect from her. She justifies her value quite well. And the surprise package of the film is newcomer Diljit Dosanjh (a notable punjabi star) who does his Bollywood debut here. He is utterly fantastic and absolutely makes his presence felt amongst all his powerful co-stars. He should win best debutant award next year according to me.
In the end, the real hero of Udta Punjab is its director - writer Abhishek Chaubey along with co-writer Sudip Sharma who deserves kudos for making such a gutsy piece of cinema that displays us the ugly truth of drug abuse and how youth are affected by it. Also they give us a positive message in a very raw, believable manner. Thank You for this eye opener.
Thus Udta Punjab is a strong, heartbreaking and captivating flick that's bloody real & honest and powered by excellent ensemble cast. It's not only the best film of this year but one to come out in recent times too as its highly an impactful cinematic experience that's made with heart & brilliance. Henceforth, it's definitely worth all its hype!
My Rating - 4.5/5
Don't Miss It Guys! See It To Rave About It... ✌👊👍
