Frankly, I was not aware of the drug problem in Punjab until the censor board controversy took off just before the release date of ‘Udta Punjab’. The joke floating around this topic is that there is no actual drug problem in Punjab, its very easily available! 🙂
Udta Punjab revolves around stories of 3 people, an Inspector (Diljit Dosanjh – Sartaj) , a pop artist (Shahid Kapoor – Tommy) and a Bihari immigrant worker (Alia Bhatt – find out what her name is). All the stories run in parallel, all of them are inter linked and all of them will definitely touch your heart. Am thankful to the censor board for allowing the movie release with only one cut. Any kind of censorship takes away the core theme of the project. Take Angry Indian Goddesses for example.
Diljit is a renowned punjabi singer and this is his first hindi movie. He has done a decent job of the character he is portraying. Plus you cannot stop humming the awesome song of this movie ‘Ikk Kudi’ sung by Diljit himself.
Alia opens her mouth and utters something in a tone which sounds like how a bihari villager might speak. I laughed at first then realised she is actually is doing a very good job of what is expected out of her. Within minutes you will start loving her (or may be am biased, I have loved her role in Highway and I also feel that she is far better than many other new comers). You will also find her monologue far more impressive (in this movie or pick any other) than any other actress in the industry.
Shahid Kapoor’s role was a funny one. He ofcourse has done far better movies but you will not be disappointed with him in Udta Punjab. Her chemistry with Alia Bhatt is so funny yet so sad. You will feel the love for them.
Not to forget the kid brother of Sartaj, very impressive performance. And KKK (aka Kareena Kapoor Khan) was at her usual, nothing great.
I loved the fact that the movie was not really censored and all the slangs were needed to get the flow of the movie. Also, the name Udta tagged with Punjab is apt for the reason you will know within the first 5 minutes of the movie.
Its a must watch movie, in a theatre. I would not mind watching it again! Needless to mention its ‘A’ rated movie, avoid taking kids along with you.