Udta Punjab

I came out of the screening with Balli's cries ringing harsh in my ears. They are haunting me. Still.

In an industry that is so strongly driven by the star before anyone else, such film choices by the young (and the young-at-heart) is a stellar change.

I can’t think of a better actor as the popstar version of Kabir Singh...

It is hard to believe that this uneven treatment of a grave issue has come to us from the director who delivered Vidya Balan to us in all her electrifying glory...

With this film, though, Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor may gain admirers with a clear understanding of this distinction. Only, these fans would rather be with them than be them.

Udta Punjab has released amidst all the controversy and the hype, and has gotten people questioning whether it's worth all the hype. Well, it is.

Its victory lies in making you empathise with its characters. As Alia and Shahid, both victims of drug and physical abuse fight their demons and destinies, you shed a silent tear.

The way the worlds of a cop, a heroin addict, a rock star and a doctor intersect is cleverly shown. Be sure to give Udta Punjab a shot.

For all the controversy surrounding this film... the main talking point about Udta Punjab should be that it is, by far, one of the best-acted Bollywood films in the past few years. That alone is worth the price of your ticket.

It certainly makes you think. While the film is bound to start a dialogue about substance use and abuse, it might even spark off a solution.