Udta Punjab (2016)

“Udta Punjab” is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Abhishek Chaubey and starring an ensemble cast including Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh. The film focuses on the drug abuse problem in the northern Indian state of Punjab.

“Udta Punjab” follows the lives of four individuals whose paths cross as they struggle with drug addiction in Punjab. Tommy Singh (played by Shahid Kapoor) is a successful musician who becomes addicted to drugs and is forced to confront his addiction. Dr. Preet Sahni (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan) is a doctor who runs a rehabilitation center and is trying to help addicts recover. Mary Jane (played by Alia Bhatt) is a migrant worker who gets involved in drug trafficking. Sartaj Singh (played by Diljit Dosanjh) is a police officer who is trying to bust the drug mafia.

“Udta Punjab” received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and social message. It was also embroiled in controversy as the Central Board of Film Certification demanded multiple cuts to the film, citing concerns about its depiction of drug use in Punjab. The controversy sparked debates about censorship in India and drew attention to the issue of drug abuse in the state.

“Udta Punjab” received several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Alia Bhatt, the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Shahid Kapoor, and the National Film Award for Best Background Score. The film was also nominated for Best Film at the Filmfare Awards.

Despite the controversy, “Udta Punjab” was a commercial success and gained popularity for its portrayal of a social issue that had been largely ignored by mainstream Hindi cinema. The film's impact was also felt beyond the entertainment industry, as it drew attention to the drug problem in Punjab and led to discussions about ways to address the issue.