Udta Punjab

Udta Punjab follows four lives drawn into the same harsh narrative about drugs and the damage it inflicts on Punjab. A rebellious rock star struggles with fame and the temptations that come with it, chased by paparazzi and the pressure to stay on top. A dedicated doctor fights to treat addicts while pushing against social and political pressure, often torn between patient care and public opinion. A migrant worker clings to dignity and survival as he faces exploitation, danger, and the risk of losing everything he has. A weary police officer works to keep order in a system that often bends under fear. Their stories intersect in a mosaic that reveals the toll of addiction on families, workplaces, and communities.

Released in 2016, Udta Punjab is directed by Abhishek Chaubey with an original screenplay by Sudip Sharma and a story by Shailender Sodhi and Varun Grover, built around Punjab's drug crisis and noted for its social critique and ensemble work.

The film grossed about 14.9 million worldwide against a budget of roughly 6 million, reflecting a respectable turnout for a bold social drama that faced a controversial release and drew varied regional responses across India and beyond for audiences worldwide.

Udta Punjab sparked national conversations about drug abuse in Punjab and the human cost behind addiction. Its unflinching look at four intersecting lives helped shift the lens on youth, crime, and policy, while also elevating discussions about rehabilitation, stigma, and responsibility in Indian cinema today and in society at large.

Critics praised its bold handling of addiction, corruption, and the complexity of reporting crime. The performances lift the film, with Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan delivering precise, nuanced portrayals while the ensemble underscores the systemic reach of the issue, inviting viewers to question policy, law enforcement, and media ideals.