The censor furore dragged it into controversy for the wrong reasons, but I recommend that you watch it for the right ones. This is uncompromised cinema – the film has its highs and lows, but delivers a solid kick.

This is the kind of film which has something to say, and it says it with both flair and conviction.

Udta Punjab truly soars when being its own madcap beast, profane and powerful and preening.

The film is entirely Chaubey’s. Bringing in inspiration from Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers and Vishal Bhardwaj, he showcases the paradox of Punjab in Bollywood films. The land of lassi and mustard fields isn’t about a romantic duet anymore, and if you don’t act fast… well, watch the movie to find out. There are no reasons not to.

Don’t watch Udta Punjab because it was embroiled in controversies but because its a story not many would have dared to tell. 

Udta Punjab is not family entertainment, but it is an undeniably magnificent – and purposeful – commercial Hindi film. Do not miss it.

Chaubey uses a part-documentary-part-mainstream approach here. Post interval, the film is sometimes too indulgent and sluggish. Also this is not your sunny-side up cinema. It is stark and makes you cringe. However, its victory lies in making you empathise with its characters. As Alia and Shahid, both victims of drug and physical abuse fight their demons and destinies, you shed a silent tear.

Udta Punjab is not the most comprehensive film on the state’s vicious drug crisis. What it tries to be, with varying success, is a humane drama about the damaging consequences of drugs on the youth, and how the politicians and police forces are partners in crime as they facilitate the illegal industry for their own profit.

UDTA PUNJAB is a dark and serious film that does not offer the traditional entertainment that audiences seek from Bollywood movies. At at same time, it is bold and brave in parts with strong performances by all actors.

‘Udta Punjab’ is definitely a must-watch, but for a film that is tackling so real an issue even the minor indulgences seem a bit much. This film is not a fun ride and for serious film buffs, the fact that the director seems to lose his grip a little is disappointing.

Abhishek Chaubey, however, deserves applause for an intense, dark and disturbing depiction of the state of Punjab.

All said and done, UDTA PUNJAB is certainly bold, highlights a critical issue and is powered by prize acts, though it makes the ‘thinking’ audience show a sign of concern, it fails to make the ‘aam junta’ react the way they should have. But for those who look for something out of the box, dark, with a ‘kick’ of realisms, UDTA PUNJAB is your shot. Take it.

Walking out of the theatre, one is grateful that the filmmakers fought for this film. This had to be served undistilled, and untouched by people who don’t see or choose not to see the gravity of the situation.

Though the film touches upon the political aspect here superficially, it exposed the other system and its vindictive nature before its release for which it literally fought its way. You probably rooted for the film to win. Should you watch it for that reason alone? Happy to report, there’s more than just that.

‘Udta Punjab’ is not hypothetical, fiction or a far sighted imagination, it is the root of our society that is flaring up and blazing into flames to kill itself and the surroundings with large diameters. Instead of being the pigeon with shut eyes thinking the cat won’t eat him, time calls for a roaring unison to recognise and burn down to earth, the ‘rotten future’ gifted by drugs.

In the dominant bubble of commercial subjects, the makers of ‘Udta Punjab’ dare to touch the controversial subject only to fight with it, for it and release the reality!

‘Udta Punjab’ is much above all the controversies and hypes. It’s a must watch for all those who love hard-hitting realistic type of films. The length might end up being a party popper along with the over usage of Punjabi language, but besides that there is a lot more to see and cherish in this film.

Udta Punjab is definitely Bollywood cinema at its bravest, and also works as an eye-opener for people ignorant of the evils that’s plaguing our youth. Everyone involved in the making of the film should be lauded for backing such a film, when our viewers are still not able to get over the blockbuster fever. Yes, the film is very dark and mature, needed a tighter narrative and might not even be a 100-crore grosser, but still…it is a film our society desperately needs!

Overall, Udta Punjab, with all the hype it created in the media for its “expression of creative freedom” is worth a watch, only for the performances and social message.

Overall, Udta Punjab, with all the hype it created in the media for its “expression of creative freedom” is worth a watch, only for the performances and social message.

Udta Punjab isn’t particularly hard-hitting but is, nonetheless, a tender film which ably narrates two engaging stories. Just make sure to pitch your expectations right when you walk into the hall.

Credit is due to Chaubey for taking a grim subject and making it interesting. There are a few dull moments in the second half, but the climax packs a punch. The way the worlds of a cop, a heroin addict, a rock star and a doctor intersect is cleverly shown. Be sure to give Udta Punjab a shot.

It is a genre that the West excels at. Films like Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, and Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic come to mind. Udta Punjab is certainly not in that class but its socio-political commentary, heavily laced with satire, is nonetheless quite effective. Here is a film that needs to be watched.   

Udta Punjab is one honest film and surely a must watch. P.S. Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s power-packed performances are worth your time and money!

The first half of the film scores high on the screenplay as it seamlessly shifts from one character’s story to the other, taking us through Punjab’s gorgeous houses and fields.
The second half, however, loses its focus, like most Hindi films, and starts addressing love stories.
I think we all must watch Udta Punjab and educate ourselves.

Udta Punjab loses steam towards the end. Trimmer editing could’ve saved the story but then again how perfectly can you make a film about the imperfect situation in Punjab. This film comes the closest to it. We recommend you take a trip down this trippy road that pierces its point into you. Get a rush guys, that’s the way cinema is meant to be enjoyed. This is the real kick, minus the superstar antics…

In the final analysis, we hope that this film, which loses an entire star for all this planned audience disconnect, does not go the way of so many movies with noble messages that lose their sheen and box office appeal and defeat their purpose of giving vital messages to society because of such and other forms of over-indulgence and over-confidence.

You can sense the makers’ hearts breaking, as they dig deeper and harder into a world none of us wish we knew about. They’re enjoying expressing themselves, but this isn’t the kind of achievement they can shout out from rooftops about – much like a bittersweet, guilt-tinged victory over your best friend in a tournament final. It feels a bit unfair that its artistic merit may forever be transcended by the sheer heft and consequences of its subject.

Undoubtedly, Udta Punjab gives the message, loud and clear—in the land of five rivers, thrives the den of drugs. Smell the danger.