Punjabi cinema

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about the Punjabi language film industry in India. For the Punjabi film industry in Pakistan, see Lollywood.
For other uses of "Pollywood", see Pollywood.

Punjabi cinema
No. of screens309 (2022)[1]
Main distributorsOmjee Group
Studio 7 Production
Rhythm Boyz
Villagers Film Studio
PTC Motion Pictures
Tips Films
Zee Studios
T-Series
White Hill Studios[2]
Produced feature films (2022)[3]
Total100 (Theatrical)
Gross box office (2023)
Total335 Cr
Indian cinema

Punjabi cinema [4][5] refers to the Punjabi-language film industry centered around the Indian state of Punjab, and based in Amritsar, Ludhiana and Mohali.

The cinema of Punjab has its beginnings with the 1928 production of Ajj dia thia, the earliest feature film produced in the region. The first sound film, Heer Ranjha, using the sound-on-disc technology, was released in 1932. Since then, many films have been produced in Punjabi cinema, a number of which have received international recognition. Many actors and filmmakers started their careers in Punjabi films, a number of whom have acquired international reputations, and a number of whom have found greater financial benefits in careers in larger film producing industries.[citation needed]

History

Punjabi cinema
List of Punjabi films
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
1980s
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
1990s
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
2000s
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
2010s
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
2020s
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Film operations started in the 1920s in

Calcutta, and seldom from Hollywood and London.[6]

Daughters of Today was a brainchild of G.K. Mehta, a former officer with the

calligraphist
, was accompanied by his fellow-artist and friend Muhammad Ismail, who would make the posters for his films.

Sound films (1930s–1946)

Although Kardar had worked with G.K. Mehta on The Daughters of Today, he felt he needed to continue working and stay active in the industry. Alongside Ismail, he sold all his belongings to set up a studio and a production company under the name United Players Corporation, in 1928.[6] Set up at Ravi Road (now Timber Market), the duo hired actors to work with them on their projects. Shooting was mainly done in daylight and limited their productivity, but the area they encompassed was enriched with locations, including important landmarks.[6]

The duo modeled their work on American and English films with influences not just prevalent in actors' attires but the movie titles and expressed a desire to seek all means necessary to make a sound film of their own. Actors who worked for the studio included Hiralal, Gul Hamid, Nazir, Pran Sikhand, Kaushalya Devi, Gulzaar, Mumtaaz and Ahmed Deen. Husn Ka Daku, also known as Mysterious Eagle, Kardar's directorial début would firmly add him into the directors guild.[6] Produced by Hakim Ram Prasad, the 1932 released Heer Ranjha, originally titled Hoor Punjab, was the first Punjabi sound film ever made.[8] Hakim provided the studio with the equipment necessary to direct the sound film, marked as the last directed by Kardar in Lahore, starring M. Ismail while launching the careers of Rafiq Ghaznavi, Nazeer and Anwari.

The façade of Bhati Gate

Produced by Indira Movie Tone, Krishna Dev Mehra released his directorial début, Pind Di Kudi, in 1935.[9] The sound film, Pind Di Kudi was produced in Calcutta and released in Lahore and introduced young Noor Jahan as an actor and a playback singer. Due to the success of this film, interest in Punjabi films started to escalate;[10] therefore, in 1938, with the assistance of Madan Mohan Mehra, K.D. Mehra released his second Punjabi sound film, Heer Sial.

Studios started to open and many actors, filmmakers and technicians shifted from

Baldev Raj Chopra, later known as a director, started from the Punjabi film industry in Lahore, where he operated a film magazine called the Cine Herald. Likewise, Ramanand Sagar
, later a director, was associated with the Evening News and Syed Attahullah Shah Hashmi worked for the film newspaper, Adakar.

Bhati Gate is known to have produced some of most notable actors, writers and artists,[11] but with tensions running swift towards the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947, most of the actors traveled into areas that are now a part of modern India. The industry left in Lahore would later be termed as Lollywood, a portmanteau of Lahore and Hollywood.

Post–Punjab partition

Main article: Partition of India § Punjab

In 1947, the British province of Punjab was partitioned between India and Pakistan. West Punjab became part of Pakistan and East Punjab became part of India. This compelled Punjabi film actors, filmmakers and musicians to work in the Bombay industry, including actors such as

Noorjahan and Shamshad Begum.[12] In 1948, Roop K. Shorey directed the first Punjabi film following the partition of Punjab. Other notable films of the late 1940s included Lachhi (1949), Mundri (1949) and Pheray
(1949).

1950s–1960s

Attempts were made to keep Punjabi cinema alive in this period. Filmmakers made films like Posti, Do Lachhian and Bhangra with some success but were not able to revive Punjabi cinema. Songs from the films would run for months and years on the radio resulting in a long-term audience for the films.[13] Post-partition, the trend of comedies continued. One of the hit comedies was Mulkh Raj Bhakhri's Bhangra (1958), starring Sundar and Nishi. It was remade by director Mohan Bhakhri as Jatti in 1980 with Mehar Mittal and Aparna Chowdhry, and it was again a commercial success. The music from the film was by Hansraj Behl with lyrics by Verma Malik. Songs sung by Shamshad and Rafi like "Batti balkay banere utte rakhdi han, rah bhul na jave chann mera" and "Chitte dand hasnon nayion rehnde" were widespread hits. Johnny Walker (1957) was a hit.

The big-budget romantic Punjabi film by director Padam Prakash Maheshwary,

National Film Award. Satluj de Kande was telecasted three times on the public TV channel Doordarshan in India. In 1969 the religious film Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai starring Prithviraj Kapoor, I. S. Johar, Vimmi, Som Dutt, Nishi, Suresh, and David Abraham was released. The film was the first really major successful Punjabi film in post-independent India, with a major cultural impact on Punjabi Sikhs
at home and abroad, and is credited with the revival of the Punjabi film industry in India. People stood in kilometre-long lines to buy a ticket for the film.

1970s

After the success of Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai, films were released in huge numbers. Hindi actors of Punjabi descent became interested in Punjabi films.

Manmohan Krishan) and Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (Shaminder Singh and Radha Saluja) were released. The most successful was Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam, due to the wide appeal of its religious historical setting and appearances by Bollywood actors including Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Johnny Walker, Ranjeet and Dara Singh.[14]

Premnath. In 1978 Udeekan, Dhyani Bhagat, Jai Mata Sheranwali, and Jindri Yar Di were released. The drama Udeekan was a hit. Walayati Babu, the first ever remake in Punjabi cinema, was released in 1978. The film was remade from the Punjabi film of the same name by Johnny Walker; it featured a special appearance by Amitabh Bachchan and Mehar Mittal played the main lead. 1979 was a big year: Guru Manio Granth, Jatt Punjabi, Kunwara Mama, Sukhi Pariwar, and Til Til Dalekha were released. The religious film Guru Manio Granth was an instant hit. Jatt Punjabi had a big cast and a special appearance by Manoj Kumar. Til Til Da Lekha starred Rajesh Khanna as the main lead hero and Mehar Mittal
played the comedian's role; the film became a golden jubilee hit at the box office. Til Til Dalekha was the second Punjabi movie of Rajesh Khanna and his first film as the lead hero in Punjabi films. It won the Punjab State Government award for best story writer and second best feature film of 1979. The first Punjabi mystery film, Vangaar (The Challenge), was released but it failed to become a hit.

1980s

Chann Pardesi, the first Punjabi film to win the national award, was released in 1980, and was the biggest hit of that year. It starred Raj Babbar, Rama Vij, Amrish Puri, Om Puri, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Fauji Chacha had veteran Bollywood actor Sanjeev Kumar in the lead. A remake of Mulkh Raj Bhakhri's 1958 film Bhangra came out in 1980 from director Mohan Bhakhri. The film was titled Jatti, and starred Sundar, Nishi, Mehar Mittal, and Aparna Chowdhry. As with the original, the remake was a tremendous success.[15]

1981 had only one hit: Balbiro Bhabhi. This film had Veerendra in the lead role. Two major releases of 1982 were Jatt Da Gandasa and Sarpanch. Sarpanch starred Veerendra. In 1983, many movies were released, with Putt Jattan De being the biggest commercially. Veerendra had another hit in 1984 with the film Yaari Jatt Di. This was the first Punjabi film to have more than half its footage shot in the United Kingdom. Mamla Garbar Hai was a hit for actor Gurdas Mann. The film's songs were especially loved.

Two hit films of 1985 were Mohammad Sadiq's Guddo and Veerendra's Vairi, Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da was also in 1985, it is religious film that established

Gurdas Mann, Om Puri, and Nina Deol. In 1987 Veerendra starred in Patola and Jor Jatt Da. Punjab was shaken with the assassination of Veerendra by gunshot during the filming of Jatt Tey Zameen. The death opened the door for supporting actors including Guggu Gill and Yograj Singh
to take leading roles.

1988 had

Marhi Da Deeva. The film starred Raj Babbar, Pankaj Kapur, Kanwaljit Singh, Parikshit Sahni, and Deepti Naval
.

1990s

In 1990 Qurbani Jatt Di was released, starring

Gurdas Mann, Dharmendra, Raj Babbar and Priti Sapru. The film was directed by Preeti Sapru herself, and did well at the box office. A second important release was Dushmani Di Agg, the last film of Veerendra. It also starred Gurdas Mann and Priti Sapru, and was successful at the box office. In 1991 the major film Anakh Jattan Di starred Daljeet Kaur and Guggu Gill. It was the first movie where the audience really accepted ex-villain Guggu Gill as a hero. The film was followed by films like Jor Jatt Da, which managed to recover its cost. Badla Jatti Da was the major success of the year. It starred Guggu Gill, Yograj Singh in a villain role, and Aman Noorie. Udeekan Saun Diyan garnered critical acclaim, but was not a commercial success. Sounh Menoo Punjab Di, starring Satish Kaul, Rama Vij, Mehar Mittal, and Pal Randhawa was also one of the releases of 1991. The film was directed by Sukhdev Ahluwalia
, one of the most successful directors of Punjwood, and had music by Surinder Kohli.

Vaisakhi, starring Deep Dhillon and Sunita Dheer, was released in 1991 to critical acclaim, but did not succeed commercially. Jatt Jeona Morh was a major hit that year, and made Guggu Gill a superstar. Also released was Yograj Singh's Jagga Daku (1991 film), which did moderately well. Dil Da Mamla, starring Guggu Gill and Amar Noori, did poorly at the box office.

1993 had films like Jatt Sucha Singh Soorma (with Yograj Singh and Neena Sidhu), Mirza Sahiban (starring Guggu Gill), Lalkara Jatt Da, and Saali Adhi Gharwali. These films managed to do adequately at the box office, but were not major successes. Preeti Sapru's Mehndi Shagnan Di, starring Malkit Singh, Hansraj Hans, Preeti Sapru, and Yograj Singh, lost money. Kudi Canada Di starring Yograj Singh also did poorly.

Kachehri (1994) starred Gurdas Mann, Yograj Singh, and others. The film was praised by critics, was a commercial success, and won a national award. A second release was Tabahi, starring newcomer Vishal Singh; it was the blockbuster hit of the year. Guggu Gill's Vairi did quite well at the box office, but Jigra Jatt Da, with Yograj Singh as the villain, did poorly at the box office.

Kimi Verma starred in Naseebo and Qahar in 1995 to critical acclaim, but not commercial success. Naseebo managed to recover its costs. Pratigya, starring Guggu Gill, Gurdas Maan, Preeti Sapru, and Dara Singh, did well at the box office. Zaildaar (Yograj Singh), Nain Preeto De (Yograj Singh), and Sir Dhad Di Baazi did well. Gurdas Mann's Baghawat did not. Jakhmi Jagirdar and Mera Punjab amongst others also did poorly that year.

Punjabi cinema began to decline in 1996. Only the film Sukha (starring Vishal Singh) did well at the box office. Deson Pardeson, Dhee Jatt Di (Upasana Singh, Gurkirtan, and Shivinder Mahal), Vichoda (Yograj Singh), Gawahi Jatt Di, and Jorawar all did poorly at the box office. Dara Singh's Vindoo and Farha's Rabb Diyan Rakhan also fared poorly.

Films of 1997 (Mela, Truck Driver, Sardari, Preetan De Pehredaar, and Pachtaawa) all failed to make a profit. Even Guggu Gill's films were not successful. Train to Pakistan was filmed in a mixture of Hindi and Punjabi, and was later dubbed into Punjabi for film festivals.

In 1998, Purja Purja Kat Mare with Guggu Gill, Laali with Dara Singh, Ravinder Maan, and Vishal, and Dildaara with Kalbhooshan Kharbanda and Tanuja did not make money. Even big budget films like Guru Gobind Singh did poorly. The critically acclaimed film Main Maa Punjab Dee (directed by Balwant Dullat) won a National Award. The film Main Maa Punjab dee has been shown repeatedly on national television. The year ended on a positive note as Jaspal Bhatti's Mahaul Theek Hai became an instant hit of Punjabi cinema. It was the first big hit since Jatt Jeona Morh (1991) and Badla Jatti Da (1992).

Punjabi films were more successful in 1999. Mahaul Theek Hai, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh with Gurdas Maan and Divya Dutta was a critical and commercial success. Muqqadar, Tera Mera Pyar, Nadiyon Vichde Neer, Door Nahin Nankana, and Ishq Nachave Gali Gali (Randeep Virender, Manjeet Kullar, Deepak Saraf, Neeru Singh, and Surinder Sharma) all did poorly at the box office. Rajniti, which was also made in Hindi, failed to make money. Raj Babbar's Shaheed Udham Singh did well towards the end of the year. There were only two major hits that year, Shaheed e Mohabbat and Shaheed Udham Singh.

2000s

In 2000 there was just a single release: Dard Pardesan De, starring

Deepshikha, which fared poorly in Punjab, but did very well overseas. Sikandra and Jagira were released in 2001. Avinash Wadhawan and Ayesha Jhulka
starred in Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas, which was released to the overseas market but not in Punjab.

In 2002

Manmohan Singh
. The movie was made on a big budget for Punjwood – 9 million, as compared to the more typical 20–25 million. It was very successful. This was a turning point in the revival of Punjabi cinema.

Badla came out in 2003. Asa Nu Maan Watna Da was released in 2004, again with actor Harbhajan Mann and director

Manmohan Singh
.

Jija Ji,

Manmohan
) were released in 2007.

A significant number of movies were produced in 2008: Hashar: A Love Story (introducing

Jimmy Shergill and Gurpreet Ghuggi
.

Manmohan Singh
and became the biggest earner of all the Punjabi movies.

Mehndi Wale Hath (2006), written and directed by Harinder Gill and with the new-star cast of Goldie Somal, Gavie Chahal, and Prableen, was a hit film in east Punjab territory.

2010s

In 2010, 16 movies were released.

British-punjabi actress Mandy Takhar to the industry. Jawani Zindabad, written and directed by Harinder Gill and starring the famous Punjabi singer Raj Barar, Pooja Kanwal, Guggu Gill, and Gurkirtan, was released in March 2010. It became a big hit in Canada. Channa Sachi Muchi, written and directed by Harinder Gill and starring Miss Pooja
and Goldie Somal, was released in August 2010. Also released in 2010 was Sukhmani (Hope for Life), starring Gurdas Maan, Juhi Chawla & Divya Dutta.

See also: List of Punjabi films of 2011

In 2011, the film Ek Noor starring Harshdeep Kaur and Yami Gautam was released. Chhevan Dariya (The Sixth River), directed by Ish Amitoj Kaur, was released in September 2011. Kaur was the first Punjabi woman to have directed, produced, and written a Punjabi film. The film starred Gulshan Grover, Neena Gupta, Manpreet Singh, Lakhwinder Wadali, Christa Cannon and Rana Ranbir.

At the end of the year Chak Jawana was released, directed by Simerjit Singh and starring Gurdas Maan, Jonita Doda in the Lead Roles .

In February 2011, the PTC Punjabi channel organised the first ever

Preeti Sapru, Raza Murad, Satish Kaul, Manmohan Singh, Amrinder Gill, Gippy Grewal, Jasbir Jassi, Puneet Issar, Rakesh Bedi, Rama Vij
, Sudhanshu Pandey, and Akriti Kakkar.

2011 looks to be the year when the industry moves away from the "typical NRI-centered" storylines and towards more meaningful and creative storylines with movies like

Rannvijay Singh
.

Jihne Mera Dil Luteya is a 2011 Punjabi film directed by Mandeep Kumar with story and screenplay by Dheeraj Rattan, produced by Batra Showbiz Pvt. Ltd. and starring Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Jaswinder Bhalla. It grossed 125 million. These films raise the bar of Punjabi films and take Punjabi cinema to next level.

In September 2011, Yaara o Dildaara was released, directed by Ksshitij Chaudhary and starring Harbhajan Mann, Jonita Doda, Tulip Joshi, Kabir Bedi, and Gurpreet Ghuggi. In October, Yaar Annmulle introducing Yuvraj Hans and Harish Verma was released. This film was a box office hit.

See also: List of Punjabi films of 2012

This year was the considered as the golden year of Punjabi cinema and industry reached many milestones in this year by having all India impact. There was the release of Hollywood-style film Mirza – The Untold Story the most costly film (₹90 million (US$1.1 million)) in the history of Punjabi cinema[16] in April starring Gippy Grewal and Yo Yo Honey Singh. In June the film Jatt & Juliet was greatest blockbuster and till now holds the title of best ever film of Punjabi cinema. This film established Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa as superstars of Punjabi film industry. Himesh Reshammiya has purchased the remake rights of the movie for ₹35 million (US$440,000). In July 2012 out and out comedy film Carry On Jatta starring Gippy Grewal was also blockbuster only after Jatt & Juliet commercially. First time in punjabi cinema sequel of sperhit film Yaaran Naal Baharan, film Yaraan Naal Baharaan 2 was released.

In September,

fusion of western classical and Punjabi folk music
.

This year many new Production houses started the production of too many comedy movies.

B.N. Sharma
established themselves as greatest comedians of Punjabi industry.

In August 2012, the first ever Punjabi International Film Academy Awards were organised in Toronto, Canada. This was a tremendous success, attended by a host of Punjabi stars. With renewed interest from the public, Punjabi cinema has seen a revival with more releases every year featuring bigger budgets, homegrown stars, and Bollywood actors of Punjabi descent taking part. Also there are film festivals like Punjabi Film Festival, Amritsar, Ma Boli International Punjabi Film Festival, Vancouver and Punjabi International Film Festival, Toronto held annually.

See also: List of Punjabi films of 2013

2013 carried the Golden phase of Punjabi movies to the next level. Superstars Gippy Grewal, Neeru Bajwa, Diljit Dosanjh and Surveen Chawla stole the hearts of audiences by their successful films this year. Jatt & Juliet 2 broke the records of its prequel Jatt & Juliet. Jatt & Juliet 2 was also released in Pakistani Punjab in over 15 screens and was greatly liked by Pakistani audiences.[17]

Sadda Haq, a true story based in the late 1980s and early 1990s during a period of extreme turmoil in Punjab was the second blockbuster of the year 2013 only after Jatt & Juliet 2.

Arya Babbar and Samiksha, Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 starring Yo Yo Honey Singh and superstar Gippy Grewal's Lucky Di Unlucky Story and action flick Singh vs Kaur
. A religious film, Pagri Singh Da Taaj, was also released.

The Hollywood blockbuster A Good Day to Die Hard dubbed in Punjabi with superstar Gippy Grewal's voice was released in Punjab.

Many meaningful films based on social issues and the reality of Punjab were also successful like National Award winner Nabar, Stupid 7 based on student life in Punjab, Chandigarh student politics based Sikander,

Dastaar, Punjab Bolda, Haani, and Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya
.

This year also saw the production of the first Punjabi 3D feature film, Pehchaan 3D, produced and directed by Manny Parmar.

Irrfan Khan starrer Qissa won four awards in Indian International Film Festival of Queensland of best actor award for Irrfan, best actress award for Tillotama Shome, best director award for Anup Singh and best cinematography for Sebastian Edschmid.[18]

See also: List of Punjabi films of 2014

In year 2014, around 42 films were released and nearly 80 percent of those films were all

Gurdas Mann and Neeru Bajwa
, "Cross Connection" Released on 26 December, Produced by jasbir Dhillon (Dhillon Creations) Starring: B.N. Sharma, Upasna singh, Garry warraich, Nancy johal, Gurchet chitarkar, Parkash gadhu, Dilawar sidhu, Malkeet raouny, Anita shabdeesh, Sahib singh, Raman Dhillon, Rozy, Tarsem paul with renowned singers Rahat fateh ali khan, Arif Lohar, Kamal khan, Navraj hans, Mank-e, Tochi raina.

Also this year many notable actors and singers debuted in Punjabi cinema, this year notably veteran actors

Zarine Khan in Jatt James Bond, singer Garry Sandhu in Romeo Ranjha
.

Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh.[22]

The Canadian-Punjabi feature film

Harpreet Sandhu.[23]

See also: List of Punjabi films of 2015

The year 2015 was attributed to a few directors who took the risk of taking up different subjects with some fresh stories and some fresh actors and villains. Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa and Mandy Takhar-starrer Sardaar Ji was blockbuster film and even achieved ₹500 million (US$6.3 million) milestone gross earning record, according to the film pandits. Second Blockbuster film was Amrinder Gill, Sargun Mehta, Aditi Sharma and Binnu Dhillon starrer, 1945 based rural Punjabi love story Angrej which did very well both in Punjab as well as abroad.[24]

Punjabi films with a strong storyline and an equally strong direction were Shareek (directed by Navaniat Singh, starring Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill), Qissa Panjab (directed by Jatinder Mauhar that weaved in seven different stories into one), Judge Singh LLB (directed by Atharv Baluja as the first Punjabi courtroom drama), Gippy Grewal's Faraar (directed by Baljit Singh Deo brought in double role with suspense) was the highest budget film with ₹130 million (US$1.6 million) in the history of Punjabi cinema. Other flop films were Dildariyaan, Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya, Oh Yaara Ainvayi Ainvayi Lut Gaya, Munde Kamaal De. While films raking up controversy or inviting a ban were The Mastermind Jinda Sukha and Pata Pata Singhan Da Vairi and Nanak Shah Fakir (Temporarily that faced a ban in some parts of the country).[25]

Main article: List of Punjabi films of 2016

In 2016, As many as 41 movies were released.

Chauthi Koot, Nikka Zaildar
were some of the big commercial/critical winners.

Main article: List of Punjabi films of 2017

In the first half of 2017, New concepts and excellent content paid dividends. Super Singh, Manje Bistre, Jindua, Lahoriye, Sargi, Saab Bahadar, Sarvann, Rabb Da Radio and The Great Sardaar were some of the big commercial/critical winners. In the second half of the year,

Sardar Mohammad, Nikka Zaildar 2 and Vekh Baraatan Challiyan
were some of the commercial hits.

Main article: List of Punjabi films of 2018

In the year 2018, the first ever war-based Punjabi movie

Carry On Jatta 2 was another blockbuster and one of the highest grossing Punjabi movies of all time. Other commercially successful movies include Golak Bugni Bank Te Batua, Ashke, Laung Laachi
and Laavan Phere.

Main article: List of Punjabi films of 2019

In year 2019, total 61 Punjabi films were released worldwide with superhits like

Laung Laachi from Laung Laachi film became the first Indian song to reach one billion views on YouTube.[29]

Festivals

Name Est. City Type Details Website
Punjabi Film Festival 2007 Amritsar Special interest Annual festival focusing on Punjabi films. Sur Saanjh Productions & Navtej Sandhu's brainchild. This festival is the pioneer of Punjabi Film Awards
International Film Festival of South Asia 2012 Toronto International Annual festival focusing on the cinema of South Asia. http://www.iffsatoronto.com
Ma Boli International Punjabi Film Festival 2013 Vancouver Special interest Annual showcase of Punjabi films. http://www.mabolifilmfestival.com
New Zealand Punjabi Film Festival 2017 Auckland Special interest Annual showcase of Punjabi films.
Punjabi International Film Festival 2012 Toronto Special interest Annual short film festival focusing on Punjabi films http://www.pifftoronto.com
Sikh International Film Festival 2013 Toronto Special interest Annual showcase of Sikh films. http://sikhfoundationcanada.com/sifft/ Archived 21 January 2019 at the Wayback Machine
Virasat Film Festival and Awards 2016 Melbourne Special interest Annual festival focusing on Punjabi films. http://www.virasatipffa.net Archived 21 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine

Film distribution and production companies

Notable Punjabi film distribution and/or production companies
Company Type Notable Works
Humble Motion Pictures Film Production Carry on Jatta 3, Ardaas Karaan, Ardaas, Mar Gaye Oye Loko, Daaka, Warning, Shava Ni Girdhari Lal, Maa, Yaar Mera Titliyaan Warga
White Hill Studios Film Production, Film Distribution Jatt & Juliet, Jatt & Juliet 2, Carry on Jatta 2, Sardaar Ji, Sardaar Ji 2, Punjab 1984, Gaddi Jaandi Ae Chalaangaan Maardi, Muklawa, Ardab Mutiyaran, Lekh, Jind Mahi, Shareek 2
Rhythm Boyz Entertainment Film Production, Film Distribution Chhalla Mud Ke Nahi Aaya, Jodi, Maurh, Chal Mera Putt, Chal Mera Putt 2, Chal Mera Putt 3, Angrej, Love Punjab, Bambukat, Vekh Baraatan Challiyan, Golak Bugni Bank Te Batua
Ohri Productions Film Production, Film Distribution Jihne Mera Dil Luteya, Blackia, Mel Karade Rabba, Yaar Anmulle, Shareek, Jindua, Mukhtiar Chadha
Thind Motion Films Film Production Aaja Mexico Challiye, Honsla Rakh, Babe Bhangra Paunde ne, Sher Bagga, Jodi
Studio 7 Production Film Production Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya, 22g Tussi Ghaint Ho, Gun & Goal, Balle O Challak Sajjna, Sargi, Sohreyan Da Pind Aa Gya
Shri Narotam Ji Productions Film Production
Sarabha
Vehli Janta Films Film Production
Sardar Mohammad
Speed Records Film Production, Film Distribution Dil Diyan Gallan, Jatt James Bond, Jatt & Juliet, Goreyan Nu Daffa Karo
Omjee Group aka Omjee Cine World Film Distribution Medal,Mastaney, Dil Diyan Gallan, Mr and Mrs 420, "Nikka Zaildar"
Neeru Bajwa Entertainment Film Production Buhe Barlyan, Kali Jotta, Es Jahano Door Kitte Chal Jindiye, Kokka, Beautiful Billo, Sargi, Channo Kamli Yaar Di
Villagers Film Studio Film Production Laung Laachi, Harjeeta, Guddiyan Patole
Geet Mp3 Film Production Tufang, Shooter, Jatt Brothers, Lover (2022 film)

Other notable Punjabi film & video production and distribution houses:

  • Inside Motion Pictures
  • Naughty Men Productions
  • Dream Reality Films
  • Unisys Infosolutions Pvt Ltd/Saga Music Pvt Ltd
  • Theatre Army Films

Distribution

Regent Cinema, Amritsar
Punjabi movie being shown at Hari theater Raghunath temple market Jammu, India

Prior to the late-1900s, Punjabi film companies were largely immersed in the competition for the domestic market. Limited to

Bollywood. Gradually, Punjabi companies moved to the Australasian, European and North American
markets.

In recent years,

Bengaluru, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Nanded, Odisha, Bihar and countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (other than West Punjab) and Singapore.[36] Punjabi cinema makes zero money from satellite or music due to absence of a sustainable satellite mechanism.[37][38]

At the home territory, Punjab, against only 4 multiplexes in all of East Punjab in 2007, as of 2014 the numbers have increased to 36[39] with 99 more approved by the Government of Punjab, India for construction. These in turn have attracted a large middle class audience for Punjabi films which did not exist before.

Parallel cinema

Punjabi film industry has established

Parallel Cinema in these years also.[40][41]
The National Award-winning
Marhi Da Deeva (1989) mercilessly explores the issues of economic inequality, social segregation in life of dalit
farm labourers and other landless communities in Punjab. Another National Award winner, Anhe Ghore Da Daan (2011) diligently puts across the distressed and frustrated life-cycle of marginalised Dalits in Punjab.[42] It is the first Punjabi-language film to have travelled to so many international film festivals. The film premiered in the Orizzonti section (Horizons) at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. It won the Special Jury Award and the $50,000 Black Pearl trophy at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. It was also shown at the 55th BFI London Film Festival, 49th New York Film Festival and the 16th Busan International Film Festival.[43] The film also won the Golden Peacock award for best film at the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2012 held in Panaji, Goa.[44]
Kiron Kher and Shilpa Shukla
.

Short films

  • Nooran (2013), based on famous Punjabi author, Balwant Gargi's story Rabbo Marasan, which represents a woman's emotions, Directed by Navtej Sandhu, was sent for Cannes Film Festival-Short Film Corner.[45]
  • Kambdi Deorri (The Shivering Gateway) (2014), based on famous Punjabi author, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story Akk the Amrit, which shows the deteriorating situation of ties within families, Directed by Navtej Sandhu, was again sent for Cannes Film Festival-Short Film Corner.
  • The Half Ticket (2018), which was based on a true love story in which the needs of the world overshadow true love, is written and directed by Channa Rai, and stars Victor John. was in Nominated for Best Director at Pune Film Festival-2018.[46]
  • Sutta Naag (2014), adapted from Sahitya Akademi Award winner Punjabi writer, Late Ram Sarup Ankhi's short story of same name. The narrative portrays 50 years old Punjab and addresses serious subjects like infidelity and the suppression of women has been premiered at Punjabi International Film Festival, Toronto.[47]
  • Khoon (2015), film based on Gurbachan Singh Bhullar's Short story was shown at the Punjabi International Film Festival, Toronto.[48]
  • Daughter of the Bin (2015), based on famous Play writer, Dr. Jatinder Brar's play, which shows the plight of the newly born girl child thrown in the dustbin and adopted by a beggar, award-winning short film.
  • Gawachi Pagg (The Lost Turban) (2016), based on famous Punjabi writer, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story, a very emotional and powerful story of an innocent young boy who was looking for his "Lost Esteem" during the militancy period in the era of 80s' in Punjab, internationally critically acclaimed short film Directed by Navtej Sandhu.
  • Zindagi A life of Kinner (2012), based on the story of Jagdev Dhillon, talks about the lives of the third gender, Eunuch (Hijra). The film was directed by Harman Aggarwal and was showcased in Punjabi International Film Festival, Toronto and Delhi International Film Festival.
  • Heer Unstoppable (2017) Based on the Plight of women in Punjab who are married to NRI's without any Background check. The film was official selection to Five International Film Festivals with winning Best Director for Jonita Doda at Pink city International Film Festival.
  • RAIN (Simran Sidhu, 2017) is the story of a farmer (Bittu Bajwa) on the verge of suicide as he waits for it to rain. The winner of six international awards (including one for Best Drama at Festigious L.A. and a Remi Award, whose previous recipients include Hollywood legends Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas), writer-director Simran Sidhu's mini-epic also boasts a sweeping score by the world renowned Indonesian composer Elwin Hendrijanto, and guest stars Yashpal Sharma who was so fond of the script that he did the film for free.
  • Bhulekha (2018), based on famous Punjabi author, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story Vehan paye Dariya, love story with very different kind of misunderstanding, Directed by Navtej Sandhu.

Highest-grossing Punjabi films (worldwide)

Main article:
List of highest-grossing Punjabi films
  † Background shading indicates films playing in the week commencing 25 April 2024 in theaters around the world.
Rank Peak Title Year Director(s) Writer(s) Production House(s) Worldwide Gross Reference(s)
1 1 Carry on Jatta 2 2018 Smeep Kang Vaibhav Suman,

Shreya Srivastava, Naresh Kathooria

White Hill Studios, A & A Advisors ₹57.67 Crore [49]

[50] [51] [52]

2 2 Saunkan Saunkne 2022 Amarjit Singh Saron Amberdeep Singh Naad Studios, Dreamiyata Entertainment, JR Production House ₹57.60 Crore [53][54]
3 2 Chal Mera Putt 2 2020-2021-2022 Janjot Singh Rakesh Dhawan,

Sunil Dhawan

Rhythm Boyz Entertainment, Gillz Network, Omjee Star Studios, Phantasy Films Ltd Productions ₹57.15 Crore [55]
4 3 Honsla Rakh 2021-2022 Amarjit Singh Saron Rakesh Dhawan Thind Motion Films, Storytime Productions ₹54.62 Crore [56]
5 2 Shadaa 2019 Jagdeep Sidhu Jagdeep Sidhu A & A Adivisors, Brat Films ₹53.10 Crore [citation needed]
6 1 Chaar Sahibzaade 2014 Harry Baweja Harry Baweja,

Baldev Gill, Pathik Vats

Baweja Movies
, Irealities Technology 		₹46.34 Crore [57]
7 7 Chhalla Mud Ke Nahi Aaya 2022 Amrinder Gill Amberdeep Singh Amberdeep Films, Rhythm Boyz Entertainment ₹39.43 Crore
8 2 Sardaarji 2015 Rohit Jugraj Dheeraj Rattan,

Jatinder Lall, Surmeet Maavi

White Hill Studios ₹38.38 Crore [58]
9 6 Chal Mera Putt 3 2021 Janjot Singh Rakesh Dhawan,

Jatinder Lall

Rhythm Boyz Entertainment, Gillz Network, Omjee Star Studios, Canvas Creations Ltd ₹35.84 Crore

Awards

Personalities

Directors

Actors

The Punjabi film industry has produced a number of successful actors, actresses, writers, directors and filmmakers, many of whom have been known internationally.

Main article: List of Punjabi cinema actors

Actresses

Main article: List of Punjabi cinema actresses

See also

References

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  7. ^ "Husn Ka Daku". IMDb. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
  8. ^ "Heer Ranjha (1932)". IMDb. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
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  15. ^ "In search of a bigger role". Saturday Extra. The Tribune. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  16. ^ Singh, Jasmine (12 December 2014). "Words aren't enough". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Mirza, said to be the most expensive Punjabi film (Rs 9 crore) in the history of Punjabi cinema! "Really, is that what you think? Well, what I know is that the film was made with Rs 3 crore," leaving the rest to our discretion.
  17. ^ Roy, Vijay C (19 May 2014). "The engineer who produces blockbuster Punjabi films". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Sidhu was the man behind the wide release of Jatt and Juliet 2 in Pakistan last October
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  19. ^ Singh, Jasmine (16 December 2014). "Happy go not-so-lucky". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Punjab 1984, Jatt James Bond and Chaar Sahibzaade, these three films gave the industry the much needed hope and support to run a little more
  20. ^ "Patiala Dreamz". ballewood. BNN. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  21. ^ Malvania, Urvi (9 January 2015). "Harry Baweja's Chaar Saahibzaade gives 250% returns". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. So much so that the movie, which cost Baweja Rs 20 crore, has earned around Rs 70 crore globally
  22. ^ "The 3D animation was so good that I felt like I was sitting in that chapter of history and the 'sahibzaade' had come alive around". Archived from the original on 20 December 2014.
  23. ^ "Surrey-based Punjabi film Work Weather Wife shortlisted for Academy Award".
  24. ^ "Regional films too did substantially well at the Box Office. Punjabi films – 'Sardaar Ji' and 'Angrej'".
  25. ^ "Of Fridays and fried days. They all promised a film with a difference. But only a few Punjabi filmmakers kept their promise in 2015".
  26. ^ Kaur, Gurnaaz. "Power to Pollywood". The Tribune. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  27. ^ "'Ardaas Karaan' to 'Surkhi Bindi': Top 7 movies of 2019 that proved Punjabi cinema is more than just rom-coms". The Times of India. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  28. ^ "Harjeeta wins best Punjabi Film Award: 'If movie based on me can inspire youngsters, I will feel lucky'". The Indian Express. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  29. ^ "Laung Laachi first Indian song to get 1-billion YouTube views". Outlook India. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  30. ^ "Victoria meets Bollywood: Punjabi stars shoot film on Inner Harbour".
  31. ^ "At least 50 percent of the money is recovered from overseas," Sahni said, adding that Canada is a strong market for Punjabi cinema".
  32. ^ "Over 50 per cent of the revenue for all Punjabi films comes from the overseas market. North America leads, followed by the UK. New Zealand is a promising emerging market".
  33. ^ "the market extends beyond Punjab to Himachal, Haryana, Jammu, western UP, Uttarakhand, and of course the UK, US, Canada and Australia".
  34. ^ "Punjabi community settled in Udham Singh Nagar". The Times of India. 28 March 2014.
  35. ^ "new Punjabi movie "Proud to be a Sikh" is being released in Jammu".
  36. ^ "Housefull, far & beyond: Punjabi films are now capturing sizeable markets in territories outside Punjab, both in India and abroad".
  37. ^ "challenge Punjabi filmmakers face is getting satellite rights".
  38. ^ "Punjabi film industry do not have many choices for a satellite release".
  39. ^ "Screens".
  40. ^ "Reel vs real Punjab".
  41. ^ "Independent films are changing the image of Punjabi cinema".
  42. ^ "Gurvinder Singh's "Anhey Gorhey Da Daan" which won multiple National Awards in 2012 deals with the rural working class and the plight of Dalit Sikhs in Bhatinda belt of the State but it is dubbed as niche for an audience which is not considered to be experimental".
  43. ^ Jatinder Preet (2 October 2011). "Punjabi Film Making Waves at International Film Festivals". The Sunday Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  44. ^ "Punjabi film Anhey Ghore Da Daan wins the best Punjabi film award at IFFI". Dainik Bhaskar.
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  48. ^ "Khoon, the film received critical acclaim at the Toronto Punjabi Film Festival".
  49. ^ "Carry On Jatta 2 Smashes Records By A Distance".
  50. ^ "Top Ten Panjabi Grossers All Time - Carry On Jatta 2 Rules".
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  52. ^ "Carry On Jatta 2 Sets Another Record On Sunday".
  53. ^ "Upcoming Punjabi Movies on OTT 2024 - Cinebuds". 7 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  54. ^ Zee Studios (24 May 2022). "SaunkanSaunkne a SUPERHIT! Crossed 40 crores in just 10 days. Movie running successfully in theatres now!". Twitter. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  55. ^ "Chal Mera Putt 2 CERTAIN HIT Stopped By Virus". Box Office India.
  56. ^ Diljit Dosanjh (official) (3 December 2021). "54 worldwide box office gross on 50th day". Twitter. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  57. ^ "Top Panjabi Worldwide Grossers".
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