Glint Star *****

After the huge drama and controversy over Udta Punjab certification, my only fear was the movie turning out to be a damp squib. But with the Ishqiya fame Abhishek Choubey writing as well as directing, and Phantom Films in charge of production, the movie missing the mark was unlikely. And they’ve hit the bull’s eye with this one. Udta Punjab is a movie worth fighting for. It is a writer’s and a scriptwriter’s film. Superbly etched out characters, pacy and intriguing scenes brilliantly written and interwoven, Choubey has added another feather in his cap as a filmmaker with this masterpiece.

Before I come back to Abhishek Choubey, let me give my two-bit on Udta Punjab, scribbled on my iPhone Notes while watching the movie. When I like a film, I tend to like it as a whole. So along with the writing – the acting, music, lyrics, camera and editing, all score big pluses.

Alia Bhatt has come up with a stunning performance once again, worthy of a national award, as her co-star Shahid Kapoor also suggested in the euphoria of the film finally getting released. She plays a Bihari migrant labourer. I’m no one to judge her language or dialect, but her expressions and pauses kept me glued in search of any flaw but I just remained glued – couldn’t find any. The make-up to give her that de-glam look is also spot on.

Shahid Kapoor is playing a rockstar addicted to drugs. With no reference point for me to judge a drug addict’s antics, I can only say that the Kaminey actor has come up with an adequate performance. Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, making his acting debut as a cop, makes his presence felt. All the others, even in small roles, have very well defined characters; which they’ve played with immense conviction. Prabhjyot Singh, who plays Daljit’s drug addict brother, is one such stand out performer.

The censor board war and victory had put the spotlight on all the wrong people but today is the day to celebrate the talent of one man and his vision – Abhishek Chaubey. The writer/director has learnt his craft from the very best in the industry. Abhishek has been an assistant to Vishal Bharadwaj since 2002 and has co-written movies like Omkara and Kaminey . His first film as director – Ishqiya, which got both critical acclaim and box office success, was produced by Vishal Bharadwaj. Although Abhishek was not convinced of a sequel, but the producers and Naseeruddin Shah saw so much potential in the idea that Dedh Ishqiya became Abhishek’s second directorial venture. Udta Punjab is Abhishek Chaubey’s third film as a director .

The only jarring note is the not so subtle similarity between the lead character Tommy Singh and real life artiste Honey Singh. Tommy Singh has a huge fan following and sings about drugs just like Yo Yo Honey Singh’s lyrics are all about alcohol. To infer that the spurt in drug abuse is due to the youth following their role model rock star’s lifestyle is a bit too simplistic. But can’t wait for Abhishek’s next offering.

  By Rajesh Sahu

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After getting a thumbs up from both the critics and the box office, the cast and crew of Udta Punjab went to a theatre in Mumbai to interact with their fans. Both Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt said they were delighted the movie is finally released and their characters and acting is being appreciated.

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Looks like all decks have been cleared for the release of ‘Udta Punjab’. First the Mumbai High Court gave the movie a go ahead, asking for only a single cut, instead of 89 cuts asked by the censor board. Now even the Supremem Court has also refused to entertain an NGO plea to halt the screening of the film.

The entire cast and crew of the film, including Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, co-producer Anurag Kashyap, co-producer Ekta Kapoor, director Abhishek Choubey were present at a press conference to rejoice the huge victory.

But in another setback, a day before the release the film has been leak online. The producers have now filed a complaint to the cops.

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Quantico star Priyanka Chopra has lent her support to Kashyap, saying that the censor board cannot dictate terms. She added that the board has no right of tempering with the creativity and title of the movie.

“Our forefathers achieved freedom of speech and expression for us after a long struggle… Creativity should not be stopped in democracy,” Priyanka Chopra said. “In democracy you cannot dictate what one should eat or watch a movie on a social issue.”

This is probably the first time the whole Bollywood family has come out openly, supporting each other. The controversy on Anurag Kashyap’s Udta Punjab has brought the industry together.

Akshay, who generally avoid giving his opinion, like it was seen in of the episodes of ‘Koffee with Karan’ said that even commercial films face the brunt of censor board’s dictating attitude.

“I made a film which was very entertaining, Desi Boyz, it got an adult certificate,” Akshay recalled. “Eros International (producer) knows about it. So there’s nothing like that. If it gets stuck, it gets stuck.”

Kangana Ranaut, a three-time National Awards winner, said that movies should be given creative freedom, and such incidents shouldn’t happen in future.

“Cinema is all about detailing,” Kangana said. “We need our own creative freedom and we are definitely sort of pressed against the wall and there is so much outrage. I hope it will be addressed and hope there won’t be such incidents in future.”

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The makers and actors Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt of Udta Punjab have come out aggressively defend their film. The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the producers to drop ‘Punjab’ from the title of the film ‘Udta Punjab’. Earlier the Censor Board had objected to the excessive use of profanities in the film and asked for sought 89 cuts to give it a ‘UA’ certificate.

Shaid, Kareena and Alia at ‘Udta Punjab’ trailer launch

The film’s producer Anurag Kashyap has told the media that “if any film is changed slightly, it is Qatl-e-Aam of it. No filmmaker wants to have cuts and leave it at that”.

Shahid Kapoor wants ‘Udta Punjab’ tax free

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Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Udta Punjab’ is yet to get clearance from the Censor Board of India, but Shahid is hoping that the movie will be made tax free as it’s telling ‘something that people need to know’.

‘Udta Punjab’ is based on how drugs have destroyed youth of Punjab, especially in the northern region of the state. Shahid, in the movie, is essaying a role of high-on-drugs rockstar Tommy Singh. The movie also features Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh.

Shahid, Kareena, Alia at ‘Udta Punjab’ trailer launch

“To be able to put a message across and to reach out to a number of people you have to entertain them,” Kapoor insisted. “I hope they make this film tax-free so that people can watch this for less money because it is telling something that you need to know.”

‘Udta Punjab’ yet to get Censor Board clearance

Reports suggest that the censor board has refused to give clearance to the movie because of excessive use of abusive language, swearing and drug consumption. Anurag Kashyap, film’s co-producer, has stated that the movie has not been banned. Shahid, meanwhile, has distanced himself on making any comments on the controversy.

“I don’t want to comment on something that hasn’t been defined yet,” Kapoor said. “Once it gets defined and once we understand what the expectation is and what the final decision is (then we can talk about it). Right now, it is in the process of dialogue.”

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Shahid and Kareena Kapoor have come together to act in an movie – Udta Punjab. During the trailer launch of the film, the couple were asked if will they ‘Jab We Met’ again – both actors had their smart answers ready. Though they looked comfortable interacting during the launch but avoided standing next to each other. Listen to both on possibility of working together in the future.

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