Udta Punjab - 2016

In a captivating tale that pierces through the very fabric of society, Udta Punjab takes flight into the depths of a region plagued by dark shadows and chaos. Set amidst the vibrant backdrop of India's Hindi film industry, Bollywood, this thought-provoking masterpiece delves fearlessly into the harrowing realms of drug abuse, corruption, and the resolute pursuit of redemption.

Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, Udta Punjab serves as a poignant reflection of the real-life struggles faced by the people of Punjab, a state battling a relentless drug epidemic. Unravelling a web of interconnected lives, the film weaves together four distinct narratives, each grappling with the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

At the centre of this enthralling saga stands Tommy Singh, played with astonishing conviction by Shahid Kapoor, a troubled rockstar entangled in the treacherous world of drugs. His path intertwines with the resilient Dr. Preet Sahni, portrayed by Kareena Kapoor, a courageous doctor striving to combat the drug menace. Alongside them, we encounter the fiery junior policeman, played by Diljit Dosanjh, and the migrant laborer, played by Alia Bhatt, both battling their own personal demons in pursuit of justice and salvation.

With gripping storytelling, immersive visuals, and a spellbinding ensemble cast, Udta Punjab seeks to expose the dark underbelly of society, forcing us to confront the harsh realities that often remain concealed. Amidst the chaos and despair, the film also explores themes of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Cast

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Songs

• Behind the Scenes

• Controversy

• Box Office Collection

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

• Conclusion

• How to Book a Personalised Celebrity Message from a Star Similar to the Actors from Udta Punjab on Tring?

Details

Plot

Play

Tejinder Tommy Singh, popularly known as Gabru by his fans, is a young and successful Punjabi musician who lives a lavish lifestyle and is a drug addict. His addiction causes him to lose his music deal and go in jail. 

While in prison, he encounters two of his die-hard followers, who say Tommy's lifestyle motivated them to murder their own mother for drug money. Tommy chooses to change his ways after realising that his songs have had a harmful impact on teens. 

A few days later, he gets into an argument and accidentally shoots Tayaji, damaging his ear. As a result, Tayaji sends Tommy and his team to a farmhouse to prepare for a future concert.

A Bihar migrant worker named Bauria works at the farm. Her father's death crushed her hopes of playing national-level hockey, forcing her to work in Punjab. Her landlord sells drugs through agriculture. She discovers a mysterious packet on the property one night and realises it is a drug. She gets caught by a gang of drug dealers. The peddlers keep her in their home against her will, where she is sexually and physically abused, given drugs, and sold to males. She escapes a few weeks later.

Doctor and activist Preet Sahni runs a rehabilitation centre in the neighbouring town. Sartaj Singh, a young policeman, knows his superiors are enabling widespread drug smuggling. He realises how serious it is when his brother, Balli, overdoses and is brought to Preet's clinic. Balli is forced to enter her drug rehabilitation facility. Preet and Sartaj decide to work together to solve the problem.

Instead of singing, Tommy begins preaching at his concert. His admirers, enraged by his message about how to live one's life, begin throwing bottles at him. In an abandoned building, where he is also hiding, he comes across Bauria. They bond as they share their stories. Bauria, on the other hand, gets recaptured by the same gang as she tries to protect Tommy from being assaulted by them. The next day, he discovers that an arrest warrant has been issued for him as a result of the public uproar at the concert, and he sets out to find Bauria after realising his feelings for her.

Preet and Sartaj find that an old man named Virender Singh is the main cause of the drug problem in Punjab. He has done well with the help of his father-in-law, MP Maninder Brar. The two go to extreme lengths to gather information against the politician. Sartaj and Preet fall in love, but one night, Preet sees a Balli trying to escape from her rehab centre. He accidentally stabs her in the neck when she tries to stop him.

Because Balli is Sartaj's brother, the top cop investigating the homicide chooses to send him underground. While manipulating the crime scene, he discovers the report written by Preet and Sartaj, and is enraged to find that he was additionally linked to the drug ring. He summons Sartaj, and when he arrives, he knocks him out.

A injured and beaten Sartaj awakens in the midst of the local drug mafia at their farmhouse, where Bauria is also imprisoned and he is questioned by Jhujar, a prominent participant in the drug racket. Sartaj claims that all he did was done for the sake of Punjab. Tommy, armed with a hockey stick, enters the house at the same time. Using the confusion, Sartaj steals Jhujar's gun and shoots the entire group before releasing Balli. Bauria is assisted by Tommy in escaping her kidnappers. In front of his expressionless brother, Balli kneels down and sobs.

Eventually, it is revealed that the government launched an investigation into Brar's actions and that there has been a massive crackdown on the drug problem. Tommy calls Bauria in Goa, where he is with the rest of his team, to ask her what her real name is. She sees a foreign stranger having fun while she's sitting on the beach. Inspired, she says, Mary Jane. Tommy flirtatiously answers that she is his life, and she ends the call before going for a swim.

Release

The release of the Bollywood film Udta Punjab in 2016 marked a significant moment in Indian cinema, stirring up widespread anticipation, controversy, and critical acclaim. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the movie tackled the sensitive issue of drug abuse in Punjab, raising pertinent questions about societal problems and political interference.

Leading up to its release, Udta Punjab faced its fair share of hurdles and controversies. The film's subject matter and depiction of the drug trade in Punjab prompted objections from various quarters, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). 

Prior to the film's release, the Censor Board (CBFC) issued a list of 94 cuts and 13 spoilers on June 9, 2016. One of the suggestions was to remove the names of cities in Punjab.

Udta Punjab was cleared by the Bombay High Court on June 13, 2016, with one edit and disclaimers. The scene in which Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor) is depicted peeing on a crowd was ordered to be removed by the court. The CBFC was given two days to provide a A certificate to Udta Punjab.

When Udta Punjab finally hit the theaters on 17 June, it made a resounding impact. The film resonated with audiences, who were captivated by its realistic portrayal of the drug crisis, the compelling characters, and the raw emotions depicted on screen.

Reviews

Udta Punjab, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, is a compelling and hard-hitting Bollywood film that delves deep into the grim underbelly of the drug epidemic in Punjab. With its gritty storytelling, outstanding performances, and unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities, the movie leaves a lasting impact.

The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, each delivering powerhouse performances. Shahid Kapoor shines as the troubled rockstar, bringing depth and intensity to his character. Alia Bhatt delivers a career-defining performance as Bauria, skillfully capturing the vulnerability and desperation of a young woman trapped in the clutches of addiction. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh also deliver commendable performances, adding depth and nuance to their respective roles.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its unapologetic portrayal of the drug crisis. It fearlessly confronts the dark realities of addiction, highlighting the devastating consequences it has on individuals and society as a whole. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, seamlessly connecting the lives of the characters and exploring various facets of the drug trade, corruption, and the fight for justice.

Abhishek Chaubey's direction is praiseworthy, as he skillfully balances the intensity of the subject matter with moments of hope and humanity. The film's cinematography captures the rawness of Punjab's landscapes and the palpable tension of its streets, immersing the audience in the visceral experience.

The soundtrack of Udta Punjab, composed by Amit Trivedi, adds depth and emotion to the storytelling. The songs resonate with the narrative, effectively capturing the essence of the characters' struggles and the spirit of Punjab.

Udta Punjab serves as a wake-up call, forcing viewers to confront the harsh realities of drug abuse and the urgent need for societal change. It sheds light on the nexus of corruption and political influence that perpetuates the drug trade, demanding accountability and action.

It is a must-watch film that raises awareness about a pressing social issue while delivering impactful storytelling. It will leave you emotionally stirred, prompting introspection and initiating conversations about the need for change. With its exceptional performances and unflinching narrative, Udta Punjab cements its place as a powerful and significant contribution to Indian cinema.

Cast

• Shahid Kapoor as Tejinder Tommy Singh a.k.a. Gabru

• Alia Bhatt as Bauria a.k.a. Mary Jane.

• Kareena Kapoor as Dr. Preet Sahni

• Diljit Dosanjh as ASI Sartaj Singh

• Suhail Nayyar as Jassi (Tayaji's son and Tommy's cousin)

• Satish Kaushik as Tayaji (Jassi's father)

• Jaswinder Kaur as Sartaj's mother

• Manav Vij as Jhujar Singh (Sartaj's senior officer)

• Prabhjyot Singh as Balli Singh

• Mahabir Bhullar as Veerji

• Ishaan Khatter (special appearance)

Crew

• Director(s) - Abhishek Chaubey

• Writer(s) - Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Chaubey

• Producer(s) - Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Aman Gill, Vikas Bahl, and Madhu Mantena

• Cinematographer(s) - Rajeev Ravi

• Editor(s) - Meghna Sen

• Musician(s) - Amit Trivedi, Benedict Taylor, and Naren Chandavarkar

Character Analysis

• Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor) - Tommy Singh, a.k.a. Gabru, is a popular Punjabi rock star whose music glorifies drug abuse. His reckless lifestyle and substance addiction lead to a downward spiral, ultimately resulting in his arrest. Following a series of incidents, Tommy begins to realize the negative impact his music has on the youth and decides to turn his life around.

• Bauria (Alia Bhatt) - Bauria, a young and impoverished woman from Bihar, dreams of escaping her harsh life by playing professional hockey. However, fate takes a cruel turn when she is duped and sold to a drug lord. Forced into drug trafficking and prostitution, Bauria stumbles upon a stolen drug consignment, which she decides to sell to improve her life.

• Dr. Preet Sahni (Kareena Kapoor Khan) - Dr. Preet Sahni is a compassionate and dedicated doctor who runs a rehabilitation center for drug addicts. She is determined to fight the drug menace in Punjab and works closely with the police to expose the drug nexus. Dr. Sahni's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Sartaj Singh, a police officer.

• Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh) - Sartaj Singh, a junior police officer, is initially part of the corrupt system that facilitates drug trafficking in Punjab. However, after his younger brother becomes a victim of drug addiction, Sartaj decides to join forces with Dr. Sahni to expose the drug trade and bring the culprits to justice.

Songs

Behind the Scenes

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Behind the scenes of the 2016 Bollywood film Udta Punjab, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, unfolded a dynamic and collaborative process that brought the impactful narrative to life. The production journey was marked by meticulous planning, intense research, and a dedicated team committed to realizing the director's vision.

Abhishek Chaubey, known for his realistic and immersive storytelling, assembled a talented crew that shared his passion for portraying the dark reality of drug abuse in Punjab.

The casting process was crucial in selecting actors who could bring depth and conviction to their roles. Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh were carefully chosen to portray the central characters, with each actor investing significant time and effort to understand the complexities of their respective roles.

The film's cinematography, helmed by Rajeev Ravi, played a pivotal role in capturing the mood and atmosphere of Punjab. Ravi's visual storytelling skillfully brought out the stark contrasts between the vibrant culture of Punjab and the dark underbelly of the drug trade.

The music and background score of Udta Punjab, composed by Amit Trivedi, added another layer of emotional depth to the storytelling. Trivedi collaborated with a diverse range of artists to create a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the film's themes and heightened the impact of the narrative.

The production faced its fair share of challenges and controversies during the post-production stage. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded several cuts and modifications, sparking a battle for creative freedom. The filmmakers and the cast stood firm in their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the film's message, resulting in a legal battle that ultimately allowed the movie to be released with minimal alterations.

Despite the obstacles, the team's dedication and perseverance paid off. "Udta Punjab" garnered critical acclaim and resonated with audiences, making a significant impact on the national conversation surrounding drug abuse and censorship in cinema.

Controversy

The release of the 2016 Bollywood film Udta Punjab was marred by a series of controversies that garnered significant attention both within the film industry and in the public sphere. The movie, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, confronted the issue of drug abuse in Punjab, leading to objections and challenges from various quarters.

One of the major controversies surrounding Udta Punjab stemmed from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which demanded multiple cuts and modifications to the film. The board expressed concerns over the explicit content and the negative portrayal of Punjab. This led to a heated debate between the filmmakers and the CBFC, as the former argued that the cuts would compromise the integrity and message of the film. The controversy became a symbol of the ongoing struggle between creative freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.

The issue quickly gained attention and support from the film fraternity, who rallied behind the filmmakers and voiced their concerns about artistic expression. The controversy became a topic of national discussion, with many questioning the autonomy and fairness of the censorship process.

The controversies surrounding the movie propelled it into the spotlight, generating significant buzz and anticipation among audiences. It became a rallying point for discussions on social issues, freedom of expression, and the need to address the drug crisis in Punjab.

Ultimately, the controversies surrounding Udta Punjab not only highlighted the challenges faced by filmmakers in expressing their artistic vision but also drew attention to the urgent need to address social issues. The film served as a catalyst for discussions about the drug epidemic in Punjab, inspiring dialogue and pushing for action to combat the problem.

Box Office Collection

The movie was a financial success, and it became Shahid Kapoor's picture with the greatest opening weekend during that time period. On its first day, it made around ₹10.05 Crore (US$1.3 million) in India, with an additional ₹3.46 Crore (US$430,000) in global earnings.The film grossed ₹46.94 Crore (US$5.9 million) in its first weekend and ₹75.82 Crore (US$9.5 million) in its first week. 

Awards

Interesting Facts

• Abhishek Bachchan was originally cast in the part of Diljit, but he ultimately decided not to take it.

• The appearance that Shahid Kapoor exhibits in the movie is based on David Spade's character in the American movie Joe Dirt.

• Diljit Dosanjh, a Punjabi film actor and singer, made his Bollywood debut in this film.

• A copy of the film submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC, often known as the Censor Board) appeared on torrent sites two days before its release. The download links, however, were removed shortly after.

Conclusion

Through its engaging plot and powerful performances, Udta Punjab presents a searing critique of the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the drug epidemic in Punjab. The film ultimately underscores the importance of unity, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in overcoming adversity.

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