Expectations
It's often seen that whenever any controversy or negative publicity happens before the release of a film, it surely manages to raise the curiosity and expectation level among the viewers. The curiosity factor keeps increasing as the controversy keeps growing thicker. There have been times in case of films like 'Bandit Queen', 'Gaddar', 'Fire', 'Bombay' and many more where these controversies and negative publicity managed to rake in housefull boards outside the cinema halls.
'Udta Punjab' is the latest film, which is in the news due to its tiff with the central Board of Film Certification as the movie deals with the burning issue of drugs and its impact on the youth of Punjab state. After a big fight, the producers managed to get this movie released with minimal cuts without impacting the soul and flow of the film. This has surely worked in the favour of the film as there is a huge amount of curiosity among the viewer's due to which the expectations have also reached to its peak.
Story
'Udta Punjab' is a story revolving around the life of four individuals related to the drug impact in the Punjab state. Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor) is a rap singer and highly popular among the youth. His songs and actions are related to the usage of drugs, due to which many youngsters consider him as their youth icon. Then there is this young girl (Alia Bhatt) from Bihar state, trying to earn money by working in the fields near the border area. One day she finds a big packet of heroin and in order to sell it, her whole life turns upside down. On the other end a local policemen Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh) and Dr. Preet Sahni (Kareena Kapoor) decides to find the main culprit behind the whole drug trade in the state. Their path crosses each other and that's what the movie is all about.
The 'Glitz' Factor
The story is interesting as well as highly engaging. It takes some time to settle out due to the over usage of Punjabi language. But after that every scene in the film keeps you glued to the silver screen. There are many intriguing scenes which keeps you spell bound throughout the film. The dialogues are witty and realistic.The cinematography is of top notch and goes well with the flow of the film.
Speaking about the music, 'Da Da Dasse' and 'Ikk Kudi' are outstanding and connects with you due to its soulful rendering. Shahid looks great in 'Ud-Daa Punjab' song. Background music works as an additional screenplay in the film.
Director Abhishek Chaubey comes out from his 'Ishqiya' hangover and gives us a hard-hitting film related to this burning issue of drugs. He tries to keep it as simple as he can and adds human elements in all of his characters.
Shahid Kapoor looks smashing and slips totally inside the skin of his character. The whole attitude, aggression and repentance on his face adds up as additional merits to his performance. Though, his character was bit underutilized.
Alia Bhatt is outstanding. She delivers the best performance among all others. Her looks, body mannerisms and Bihari accent excel her performance to another level. She delivers her part with total maturity.
Kareena Kapoor looks sweet and does her part with total grace. Diljit Dosanjh impresses everyone with his subtle performance. His scenes with Kareena are one of the best ones from the film. Satish Kaushik, Prabhjyot Singh and others lend good support.
The 'Non-Glitz' Factor
The only dull point in the movie is that the narrative part becomes a bit slow at times followed by few dragging scenes in the middle of the film. The movie could have been bit trimmed down in order to keep its pace and intensity intact. Few people might find the usage of swear words bit hard to digest along with the gore climax scenes.
If only the pace would have been a bit crispy the impact would have been more intense. The lack of masala entertainment might disappoint all those expecting to see some, due to the big names attached with the film.
Final 'Glitz'
'Udta Punjab' is much above all the controversies and hypes. It's a must watch for all those who love hard-hitting realistic type of films. The length might end up being a party popper along with the over usage of Punjabi language, but besides that there is a lot more to see and cherish in this film.
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