A rockstar, a migrant labourer, a cop and a doctor; four parallel lives amidst the overpowering menace of drug abuse in the affluent state of Punjab. Creating a furor during its theatrical release, the film received critical acclaim for highlighting the rampant drug abuse in India and that too with flair and courage.
&pictures, Naye India Ka Blockbuster Movie Channel brings to you the World Television Premiere of ‘Udta Punjab’ on Sunday, 30th April at 12 Noon. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, this film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor marked the entry of popular Punjabi heartthrob Diljit Dosanjh into Hindi Cinema whose stellar performance was another highlight of the film. Amit Trivedi weaved his magic with heart tugging tunes into the narrative with several layers that reflected an epidemic that has preyed upon majority of the youngsters in the state.
The hard hitting performances, unique storytelling, foot tapping music and the natural costumes won several nominations and accolades including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor Male, Best Actor Female, Best Actor in a Supporting Role Male, Best Actor in a Supporting Role Female, Best Music Album, Best Lyrics, Best Playback Singer, Best Debut Male, Best Costume Design amongst others in recent award shows.
Speaking on the making of the film, Abhishek Chaubey said “I used to read many reports across India which reflected that a large section of young people are getting addicted to harmful stuffs. There was no film around the topic and as a filmmaker and a citizen, this interested me. During one of the conversations with my co-writer Sudip, he asked me if I knew anything about the Punjab crisis. It immediately rang a bell in my head that this might be a great setting point. Punjab has a large number of drug users and could represent the problem better than the entire country.”
Actor Diljit Dosanjh said, “When Abhishek Chaubey (the director) narrated the film to me, I thought there could not have been a better debut for me in Bollywood. When I heard the story, I wondered why this subject wasn’t explored in Punjabi cinema. The film is based in Punjab and has been written so well, that I could see no reason to say no to it. Today, the youth of India are dealing with several complex issues and one such issue is highlighted in Udta Punjab. Television as a medium reaches out to every nook and corner of India and I hope the movie creates some sort of positive change in someone.
Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor) is a youth icon of Punjab and a rock star known to make songs that revolve around the theme of substance abuse. However, one fine day, his career comes crashing down and he goes on a self-discovery journey to find his true calling. Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh) is a cop hunting down the smuggling and consumption of drugs in the state. His story reveals the police department’s involvement with the drug lords to ensure hurdle free supplies. Dr Preet Sahni (Kareena Kapoor Khan) is working tirelessly to make Punjab a drug free state and her character stands out as a ray of hope who runs a rehab centre for youngsters. Alia Bhatt is a migrant laborer and a field worker who gets involved in the on-going menace. She is a fighter finding a way out of the storm.
How the four parallel stories meet to put an end to the hazardous epidemic forms the rest of the story.
Watch the World Television Premiere of ‘Udta Punjab’ on Sunday, 30th April at 12 PM, only on &pictures