Udta Punjab(2016)
Udta Punjab is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Abhishek Chaubey. The lead cast includes Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh in his Bollywood debut. The story is set in the affluent but drug-ravaged state of Punjab. It follows four characters from different social backgrounds whose lives are connected by the rampant drug abuse. The film depicts the socio-economic decline caused by the heroin and cocaine epidemic among the youth. It is notable for its gritty, realistic tone and its controversial battle with the Central Board of Film Certification. The film received critical acclaim for its performances and direction. It was released on 17 June 2016.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix, Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 17 June 2016
- Director
- Abhishek Chaubey
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 28m
- Rating
- 7.6/10
Storyline
A rock star, a migrant worker, a doctor, and a police officer are all trapped in the drug epidemic of Punjab. Their lives collide as they struggle with addiction, corruption, and the fight for survival. Each one must decide whether to be destroyed by the poison or to fight back.
“The poison is in the air”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Udta Punjab
Cast reunions in this film: Kareena Kapoor & Shahid Kapoor (6 films together), Amit Trivedi & Rajeev Ravi (3 films together), Alia Bhatt & Amit Trivedi (2 films together), and Kareena Kapoor & Diljit Dosanjh (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Udta Punjab' was inspired by a real-life newspaper headline about drug abuse in the state.
- Shahid Kapoor's rockstar character Tommy Singh was partly inspired by the real-life Punjabi singer Honey Singh.
- The film faced 94 cuts demanded by the censor board, which the producers challenged in court and won.
- Many scenes were shot in real locations in Punjab, including fields and villages, to capture authentic settings.
- The film's script was heavily researched with inputs from journalists and NGOs working on Punjab's drug issue.
- Alia Bhatt's character underwent a drastic physical transformation, including cutting her hair very short for the role.
- The movie sparked major political debate in Punjab, with some parties claiming it showed the state in a bad light.
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Stories
Two days after Udta Punjab passed the censor board and court with green signal, the movie has been leaked in the Internet just 48 hours before the slated release date. The producer Ekta Kapoor has bee…
