The most controversial film of the year Udta Punjab directed by Abhishek Chaubey has become the 5th highest opening weekend of 2016. The film managed to establish an emotional connect with the audiences.
The drug-themed movie, released on June 17, had courted controversy after Central Board of Film Certification asked for multiple cuts.
However, the film was passed by the Bombay High Court with just a revised disclaimer and omission of one scene.
The movie got off to a flying start at the box office, especially in Delhi, Punjab, and minted Rs. 10.05 cr. on the first day of its release. On day two the collections saw a growth of 11.94 %. The film witnessed good escalation on Sunday and maintained strong grip in Punjab and Delhi.
Every viewer we spoke to unanimously opined that the controversy generated by the CBFC had made them curious to catch the film as soon as possible. While adverse reactions were literally nil, a couple of viewers did make it a point to note that the usage of Punjabi in a Hindi film should have been kept minimal.
Lead actor Shahid Kapoor has wished for more power to such films. “Humbled and thankful. Your love has been overwhelming. More power to an honest, fearless cinema. Thank you all,” Shahid wrote.
“Udta Punjab” talks about the issue of substance abuse in the state of Punjab through the stories of a high-on-drugs rock star played by Shahid Kapoor, a migrant played by Alia Bhatt, a doctor played by Kareena Kapoor Khan and a policeman played by Diljit Dosanj.
