'Udta Punjab' released, protests in Ludhiana

"Udta Punjab", a drug-themed Bollywood film that was embroiled in a censorship row and multiple legal battles, was released across the country today as scheduled without any incident being reported barring protests by Shiv Sena activists in Ludhiana.
Police took 30 activists of Shiv Sena (Hindustan) into preventive custody in Ludhiana after they tried to create ruckus when the movie screening was going on in a multiplex there even as tight security arrangements were put in place at various places across Punjab. They were later released.
The Police said that security at cinema halls and multiplexes, especially in prominent shopping malls at various cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, was beefed up.

In Ludhiana, Shiv Sena (Hindustan) leader Rajiv Tandon demanded that the film should be banned because it was defaming Punjab.
The activists of the outfit tried to forcibly enter Goverdan Mall where the Abhishek Chaubey-directed film was being screened. Police, however,prevented their entry.
No other untoward incident has been reported.

The film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh that delves into how a large number of youth in Punjab have succumbed to drugs had also triggered a political slugfest. The film was cleared by the courts with some directions like cutting one scene after its producers and the Censor Board were locked in a bitter row.

The movie was said to have been released to favourable reviews and also received a thumbs up from the Hindi film industry with stars like Katrina Kaif, Pooja Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt praising the movie's gritty content and outstanding acting.
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"The director is passionate about the story he chose and he has done justice to it," Katrina said.
Alia's filmmaker father Mahesh Bhatt tweeted, "Alia simply shatters you with her gut wrenching performance in UDTA PUNJAB. Her BEST. Abhishek Chaubey's UDTA PUNJAB is an outstanding film. Shahid & Alia are the bravest actors in tinsel town."
Actress Pooja Bhatt wrote, "HIGH on #UdtaPunjab Got me angry, made me laugh & made me weep! An empowering story of broken people touching & healing other broken lives!"

Film director Gauri Shinde posted, "Cinema reinvented! @aliaa08 @shahidkapoor @diljitdosanjh #kareena #AmitTrivedi&star #abhishekchaubey take a bow! Respect! Producers hats off!"
"I could taste the honesty & sincerity in #UdtaPunjab Kareena k, @aliaa08 @shahidkapoor Diljit D, Abhishek C, flawless film & performances," actor Arshad Warsi said.
Actress Dia Mirza tweeted, "Just watched #UdtaPunjab!!! Mind, heart and soul shaken. Every beat so honest. POWERFUL performances and a brave brave TEAM. Kudos."
"#UdtaPunjab The best film I have seen this year! Don't miss for anything #blownaway hats off Abhishek Chaubey," "Masaan" star Vicky Kaushal wrote.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan said, "For me, #UdtaPunjab is the antithesis of DDLJ for our current generation. Well-observed, poignant & thoroughly enjoyable at the same time!"

"So happy for all the positive feedback for #UdtaPunjab .Well deserved, as they say- the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory," actor Aftab Shivdasani tweeted.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar said, "Caught the 1st show of #UdtaPunjab & it was so worth it. Super hard hitting with super like amazing performances. It hits the right spot."
"#UdtaPunjab FABULOUS! Period! Every single frame! Ps- reality is even more brutal... Anyone censoring reality?," actress Aditi Rao Hydari posted.