Jun 21, 2026 11:00am IST
Director Abhishek Chaubey On ‘Udta Punjab’ Turning 10: ‘It Was Never My Intent To Make A Controversial Film’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Abhishek Chaubey’s repertoire as a director reveals a remarkable eye for human eccentricities and the inevitable ups and downs of life. And “Udta Punjab,” released in June 2016, remains one of his most ambitious works. Unflinching in its portrayal of Punjab’s drug crisis and anchored by morally complex characters, the film was a human drama about addiction, despair and redemption, featuring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor Khan along with an ensemble of talented supporting actors.
A decade later, Chaubey talks to Variety India about the film’s impact, the hurdles it faced with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and more.
‘Udta Punjab’ sparks debates over its hard-hitting themes. Is it your most controversial film to date?
I guess it is, although it was never my intent to make a controversial film. I just wanted to make a thrilling and entertaining film and for this issue to reach the public at large.
Where do you place it among your work?
I am loath to rank movies, least of all my own work. I love and hate all of them equally.
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Why did you decide to cast Shahid Kapoor as the over-the- top rapper Tommy Singh? Was the character based on anyone?
Tommy was based on many people. It eventually evolved into a fairly original character. I have to credit Shahid in creating that character, too. He also brought his own imagination and ideas to build the persona. He really enjoyed the script and immediately said yes. I was surprised. He told me that he saw it as a great opportunity. He said, “How many times will I get to play a character as mad as this one?”
‘Udta Punjab’ has many memorable characters. Which one is your favorite?
It’s hard to say which character is my favorite. All the protagonists, of course. There’s also Balli, the boy who is an addict. The hollowness and pain in his eyes are very haunting.
Alia Bhatt’s performance in the film is considered one of her best. How did you extract such intense emotions from her?
Alia was very much up to the challenge of playing such a difficult part. It couldn’t have been easy, but she was a sport. We talked a lot about what her character, Mary Jane, goes through. I told her exactly what the experience does to the character’s body and psyche. It must've been exhausting for her, but she was very stoic.
Ever thought of revisiting those people in ‘Udta Punjab’?
A sequel was never on my mind. I don’t even watch my films.
The film highlighted the drug menace in Punjab. What is your response to those who accused you of tarnishing Punjab’s image?
If we don’t talk about our problems honestly and openly, how do we expect to solve them? This attitude has to change. Our intention was never to tarnish any image. We came from a place of love and compassion.
‘Udta Punjab’ faced significant hurdles with the CBFC. Do you think film censorship has become redundant today?
I’m not a social scientist, so I can’t say whether censorship should be abolished or not, but definitely, the level and intensity of censorship that we have today is profoundly harmful for cinema and, by extension, society. Films are one way of processing our lives and experiences, and censorship takes that resource away from us.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on an action drama series that I will start shooting in the next few months.
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