By Goher Iqbal Punn – Film Critic, Music Reviewer & Entertainment Analyst – Showbiz Bites
Producer: Phantom Productions and Balaji Motion Pictures
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh
Music: Amit Trivedi
Rating: *** (3/5)
Udta Punjab Movie Review
Udta Punjab hits the screens today. The movie was well in news due to its subject and the starcast. Shahid Kapoor’s look as a rockstar generated quite a big buzz. Now all eyes are set on film’s business, whether it will be able to ignite the box office or not. Let’s wait to see. Till then analyze the movie.
First things first – Udta Punjab is not an entertainment stuff at all rather a serious dark film. The movie begins with a rocking introduction of Tommy ‘Gabbar’ Singh (Shahid Kapoor), the rockstar followed by his addictive lifestyle. He loses his job when he cannot provide the recordings to the producers on time. Amidst his birthday party, he is arrested by the Punjab police on the grounds of drugs abuse. Upon release, he performs before an eager audience. Before the performance, he does something very awkward that displeases some over there who then run after him for his life. Pinky Kumari aka Mary Jane (Alia Bhatt) migrates from Uttar Pardesh to Punjab. In the past, she was a brilliant hockey player, but due to non-financial support, she could not venture into the game further and landed up becoming a laborer. One day, Pinky finds a 3 kg packet of drugs. She wants to sell it to get good amount of money, but then for some reasons, throws it into the well. Drug peddlers are now after her, as the packet for them is worth tremendous amount of money. They not only rape her, but also keep her captive. Then there is Dr. Preet Sahani (Kareena Kapoor Khan), who is treating a drug addictive Balli Singh, the younger brother of Inspector Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh). Soon, Sartaj starts realizing the harm of the drugs and begins coordinating with Preet to expose the drug mafia.
Film’s direction is fine and holds the attention throughout. Abhishek Chaubey does nice job by gripping the viewers throughout. He also shares the credit on script with Sudip Sharma. The big flaw is the multiple stories in the movie that makes the viewer complicated. The film loses the impacts at many parts, but in second half, it turns out to be sluggish. Editing is first rate. Cinematography is nice to watch. Music by Amit-Trivedi is ear-pleasing. Chita Ve is the pick of the lot.
Film works on brilliant performances. Shahid Kapoor has done the rockstar avatar for the first time in his career. He does the job brilliantly. Alia Bhatt enacts her part with super ease and confidence. Kareena Kapoor is awesome. Diljit Dosanjh does nice. Rest of the cast fills the bill as well.
Final Verdict:
On the whole, Udta Punjab is a nice watch, but not an exceptional movie to rave big about. It is a dark movie that carries a serious subject to talk about. Brilliant performances is the only saving grace of the movie.
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