UT69 review: Raj Kundra’s movie, more about personal past in jail rather than real cinema plot
In first instance, the movie looks more an attempt on exposing the inhumane & deplorable conditions inside the Indian jails at large and not at covering the entire story including reasons behind incarceration & trial in pornography case.
New Delhi: UT69, the movie starring businessman Raj Kundra as the main protagonist released in theatres this Friday. Though the makers refrained from big promotions, the movie has created a buzz owing to Kundra & his wife Shilpa Shetty’s celebrity status.
The film, touted as something based on real-life stint inside Mumbai’s Arthur road jail, has created a buzz on social media and people are also eager to watch personal experience of a celebrity’s ‘life in jail’, on celluloid.
In first instance, the movie looks more an attempt on exposing the inhumane & deplorable conditions inside the Indian jails at large and not at covering the entire story including reasons behind incarceration & trial in pornography case.
About the movie plot
The movie portrays the life-changing experience of businessman Raj Kundra and his travails & ordeals that he went through during 63 days of his stay in Arthur Road jail, following his arrest in the pornography case.
The less than 2 hour movie is a biopic on the Raj Kundra’s life in jail, with the story written by himself and directed by Shahnawaz Ali.
Raj Kundra’s performance
Though the movie marks the debut of Raj Kundra as the actor, latter is winning accolades for a modest performance. Viewers feel that he has managed to portray the travails & tribulations of life in jail, quite convincingly.
As the film goes through bouts of emotional highs & lows, the actor has managed to showcase his joy & sorrow accordingly and has rightly fitted into the nuances.
Movie review
The film portraying the life of an incarcerated businessman who lands up in jail and how he goes through the daily rigours with fellow prison inmates for 63 days. The film has resorted to black comedy in portraying the character.
The movie has sought to develop connect with the cinema watchers but keeps losing the plot on & off. The first half, especially first 15 minutes are dull & dreary, however, the second half looks engaging.
The film is basically a jail drama, starting with the arrest of actress Shilpa Shetty’s husband, his grueling stay in jail and then ending with his release on bail after 63 days. The film doesn’t hesitate in showcasing his personal life, with inmates often talking about his popular wife Shilpa Shetty. While the cramped barracks along with deplorable jail conditions in jail are frightening, the humour brought by supporting cast of the movie makes it a good watch.
Why the movie drawing criticism
UT69 begins with TV channels flashing the news of Raj Kundra’s arrest in a pornography case. He is sent to Arthur Road jail where he has many bouts of nightmare. Intially, the businessman thought of getting bail in 4-5 days but it gets extended to more than 2 months.
The movie, a biopic on Kundra’s life in jail, shows numerous incidents of repugnant situations be it untidy premises, disheveled inmates, stinky bathrooms, poor hygiene or food.
The movie has cleverly sidestepped the pornography issue, which led to his arrest and rather focuses on showing the plight of inmates. Lately, couple of movies have been made to develop sympathy & support for inmates, luckily, UT 69 doen’t go that route.