Ayushmann Khurrana breaks silence on chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad' in Udta Teer

Ayushmann Khurrana opened up about chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad' in Udta Teer and playing a Pakistani spy. The actor spoke about the scene at the film's trailer launch and his approach to the role.

In Short

• Ayushmann Khurrana plays a Pakistani spy in Udta Teer
• The actor said chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad' was part of the script
• The film is a spy comedy with patriotic confusion and amnesia

Ayushmann Khurrana has broken his silence on the ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ chant in Udta Teer. The question came up at the trailer launch on September 23, as the film drew attention for placing the chant within a spy comedy.

Directed by debutant Akash A Kaushik, Udta Teer follows Bilal Ahmed, a Pakistani agent who loses his memory during a mission and begins to believe he is Indian. The trailer blends espionage, action, humour and political satire. The film also marks the final on-screen appearance of late actor Mukul Dev in a key role.

At the trailer launch, Khurrana was asked whether chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ for the role was difficult. “That's part of the script, ya. As an actor, you are ready to do anything,” he said. He added that such moments have been part of spy films before, but said the difference here was that Udta Teer is a spy comedy.

Khurrana described the film as a “spy comedy”, “patriotic comedy” and “genre bender”. He said he begins with the script and follows what it asks of him. “Whatever the script demands from me, I do,” the actor said, adding that he is “a director's baby” and that Kaushik has written a fantastic script.

What the film is about

Udta Teer centres on Bilal after he loses his memory in an explosion during a mission. He keeps his sense of patriotism but forgets which country he belongs to, and eventually becomes convinced that he is Indian. The trailer builds its comedy and conflict around this identity mix-up, with Bilal believing he is an Indian counter-terrorism officer while his Pakistani handlers struggle to understand the sudden change in their agent.

The cast also includes Gulshan Grover, Ram Kapoor, Raghubir Yadav, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Smita Tambe, Brijendra Kala and Sandeep Anand. Udta Teer also marks another collaboration between Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan after Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, which also starred Rakul Preet Singh and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Mukul Dev’s final film

At the trailer launch, Khurrana remembered his co-star and called the film a tribute to him. “Mukul Dev was one of the brightest, most brilliant talents in our country. There was a film named Omerta (2018). It was his brainchild. We sadly underutilised him. In Udta Teer, you'll see him for the last time. This is like a swan song; it's a tribute to Mukul Dev,” he said.

Kaushik also recalled conversations with Mukul during the making of the film and said the actor had often wondered how audiences would react to his performance.

“He used to call me and ask, ‘When this film releases, what will people say about me?’ All I can say is that this is not only his last film but actually his best work. We say that with a lot of responsibility. He has literally added so much to this film. So, Mukul sir, wherever you are, we love you and miss you. I promised you that the whole of India would sing your praises, and that will happen. That's my promise to him and to you all. You'll love his performance,” he said.

Produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, Udta Teer is scheduled to release in theatres on October 9.

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