Mumbai, Nov 4: Directed by Shahnawaz Ali, ‘UT69’ boldly presents the tumultuous experiences of entrepreneur Raj Kundra during his time spent in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail.
Co-written by Raj Kundra, Vikram Bhatti and Ali and backed by SVS Studios, the film presents a satirical narrative that reveals the challenges faced by people awaiting trial or bail. It portrays their co-existence with hardened criminals in the harsh conditions of prison.
The story begins with Raj Kundra’s entry into Arthur Road Jail, where he is wrongly taken in a van and subjected to a humiliating cavity search and bullying despite there being no evidence of a crime.
Portraying himself, Kundra appears as a well-mannered, upper-class man caught up in the complexities of a porn case, providing a glimpse of his real-life experiences behind bars.
Right from the beginning of the film, it unfolds the distressing story of an innocent man who is a victim of bullying, neglect of hygiene, sleep deprivation and inadequate maintenance, the injustice that happens to a person who is not proven guilty of any crime. Reflects behaviour.
Remarkably, the filmmakers intricately portray the microcosm of prison life, weaving a story that operates on multiple layers. It highlights the struggle of the innocent, the bitter reality of life inside the prison, the presence of harsh prisoners, lack of basic necessities, poor maintenance and the insensitivity of indifferent officials.
The genius of the screenplay lies in its dialogues, which underline uncomfortable interactions and provide targeted satire on a system that grants horrific treatment without confirming guilt. The first part establishes the characters and the prison routine, while the second part highlights the humanistic aspect of the story.
The unspoken bonds between the prisoners, the search for solace amidst the grim routine, and the inexplicable relationships between the captives are skillfully depicted throughout the story. The film not only throws light on Kundra’s ordeal but also the dismal conditions of the prisons and the apathy of the authorities.
As Kundra bonds with fellow inmates before departure, Shilpa Shetty’s voiceover adds authenticity. The brief phone conversation between Kundra and Shetty shines amid the film’s realism.
‘UT69’ is Kundra’s debut film in cinema, which uses his traumatic experiences to highlight the unfair treatment meted out to those who have been proven not guilty. The film exposes the media frenzy, online harassment and premature labeling of individuals as criminals without conclusive evidence.
In conclusion, ‘UT69’ is no ordinary drama; This is an experimental investigation based on its own merits. It differentiates itself from ‘Sanju’ by boldly highlighting the dark realities faced by individuals trapped in an unforgiving system. It encourages reflection on the fairness of the justice system and societal perceptions of guilt and innocence.