Films with message require star presence: Abhishek Chaubey

Director Abhishek Chaubey says the presence of well-known actors in his upcoming drama "Udta Punjab" will help garnering attention towards the issue of drug abuse.
"Udta Punjab" shows the murky state of affairs of substance abuse in Punjab. The film has Shahid Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt in lead roles.
"Their (stars') appeal is national. When you have big stars like them in a film, it helps in reaching out the message to large audience and it helps the film. When films have a message and entertainment value, it requires presence of stars," Abhishek told PTI.

Shahid essays the role of a Punjabi rockstar, Tommy Singh, and Alia plays a girl from Bihar in the film. Kareena will be seen as a doctor, while Punjabi star Diljit will play a tough cop in "Udta Punjab".
"I was worried if right actors would come on board for this film or not. I am thankful to my producers as due to them we have got talented actors," Abhishek said.
"Udta Punjab" releases on June 17.