Cinema of Punjab Punjabi cinema (Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿਨੇਮਾ) is the Punjabi language film industry in the states of Punjab in India and Pakistan. While 20th-Century Punjabi cinema had great influence of Pakistani based Punjabi cinema, in the 21st Century Punjabi cinema, due to its boom, has become synonymous with Indian Punjab. The first Punjabi film was made in Calcutta and was released inLahore, provincial capital of the Pakistani Punjab. The Lahore film industry is known as Lollywood, a portmanteau of the words Lahore and Hollywood. As of 2009, the Punjabi film industry has produced between 900 and 1,000 films.The average number of releases per year in the 1970s was nine; in the 1980s, eight; and in the 1990s, six. In 1995, the number of films released was 11; it plummeted to seven in 1996 and touched a low of five in 1997. Since the 2000s Punjabi cinema has seen a revival with more releases every year with bigger budgets, homegrown stars, and Bollywood actors of Punjabi descent taking part. K.D. Mehra made the first Punjabi talkie film, Sheila, also known as Pind Di Kudi, in 1936.[1] Young Noor Jehan was introduced as an actress and singer in this film. Sheila was made in the city of Calcutta and released in Lahore. It ran very successfully and was a hit across the province. Due to the success of this film more producers started making Punjabi films. K.D. Mehra made his second film, Heer Sial (1938), with the assistance of M.M. Billoo Mehra. This film had Noor Jehan and new artists Balo and M. Ismail. The film was commercially successful. Due to the vast Punjabi community in Lahore and Punjab, the area soon became a significant Punjabi-language film market. Studios opened up and many artists, producers, directors, and technicians from Bombay and Calcutta shifted to Lahore. Prominent names were Shanta Apte, Motilal, Chandra Mohan, Hiralal, Noor Jehan, Mumtaz Shanti, Wali, Syed Attahullah Shah Hashmi, Krishna Kumar, and Shanker Hussain. Baldev Raj Chopra, later known as a director, got started in the movie industry in Lahore, where he ran a film magazine called the Cine Herald. Ramanand Sagar, also later a director, was associated with the Evening News. Syed Attahullah Shah Hashmi worked for the film newspaper Adakar. In 1947, India was divided into two parts, India and Pakistan. The Punjab region was split between the two nations. West Punjab became part of Pakistan and East Punjab became part of India. This affected Punjabi cinema because most Muslimartists and directors moved to Pakistan, and worked in Lollywood, while Sikhs and Hindus moved to Bombay. Attempts were made to keep Indian Punjabi cinema alive in this period. Filmmakers made films like Posti, Do Lachhian andBhangra 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. Post-partition, the trend of comedies continued. One of the hit comedies was Mulkh Raj Bhakhris 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, Satluj de Kande, was released in 1964. This film starred Balraj Sahni, Nishi, Wasti, and Mirza Musharraf, with music by Hansraj Behl. This was the only Punjabi film starring Balraj Sahni. It was a major hit and earned a National Film Award. Satluj de Kande was broadcast 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. After the success of Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai, films were released in huge numbers. Hindi actors of Punjabi descent became interested in Punjabi films. Kankan De Ohle (Dharmendra, Asha Parekh and Ravindra Kapoor) and Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (Dara Singh, Balraj Sahni, Ram Mohan and Asha Sachdev) were released in 1970. 1971 saw no major releases. In 1972, Dara Singh starred with Prithviraj Kapoor in Mele Mitran De. Man Jeete Jag Jeet, a religious film starring Sunil Dutt,Radha Saluja and Ranjeet, was a major release of 1973. In 1974, Do Sher (Dharmendra and Rajendra Kumar), Bhagat Dhanna Jatt (Dara Singh and Feroz Khan), Sacha Mera Roop Hai (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, and Dara Singh. Teri Meri Ik Jindri (1975) starred Dharmendra and introduced his cousin Veerendra. Many films were released in 1976: Daaj,Giddha, Main Papi Tum Bakhshanhaar, Papi Tarey Anek, Santo Banto, Sardar-E-Azam, Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun, Taakra, and Yamla Jatt. Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun was the biggest hit and starred Dara Singh in the main lead; Rajesh Khanna made a special appearance as the Qawal. The film ran into conflict with the Sikh political parties as the film had Fauj-i-Khas soldiers wearing fake beards. The year 1977 was not a major one for the Punjabi film industry. Jai Mata Di, Saal Solvan Chadya, Sat Sri Akal, and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha were released, amongst others. Saal Solvan Chadya was a highlight because of the cameo appearance by Rekha. Sat Sri Akal was another hit film. It starred Sunil Dutt, Shatrughan Sinha, and 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 comedians 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. 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 actorSanjeev Kumar in the lead. A remake of Mulkh Raj Bhakhris 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. 1981 had only one hit: Balbiro Bhabhi. This film had Veerendra in the lead role. Two major releases of 1985 were Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da and Sarpanch. The former was a religious film that established Gurdas Mann as a star. 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 films songs were especially loved. Two hit films of 1985 were Mohammad Sadiqs Guddo and Veerendras Vairi. Long Da Lishkara was the big hit of 1986, starring Raj Babbar, 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 no major film releases. In 1989 came the critically acclaimed Marhi Da Diva. The film starred Raj Babbar, Pankaj Kapur, Kanwaljit Singh, Parikshit Sahni, and Deepti Naval. In 1990 Qurbani Jatt Di was released, starring Guggu Gill, Yograj Singh, 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 Dawas the major success of the year. It starred Guggu Gill, Yograj Singh in a villain role, and Aman Noorie. Udeekan Saun Diyangarnered 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 the of 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 Singhs Jagga Daku, 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 Saprus 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 Gills 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 Manns 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, andJorawar all did poorly at the box office. Dara Singhs Vindoo and Farhas 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 Gills 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 Bhattis Mahaul Theek Haibecame 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. Shaheed e Mohabbat with Mahaul Theek Hai, 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 Babbars 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. In 2000 there was just a single release: Dard Pardesan De, starring Avinash Wadhawan, Upasana Singh, Paramveer, andDeepshikha, 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 Jee Ayan Nu was released, featuring singer-turned-actor Harbhajan Mann and directed by 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, Des Hoyaa Pardes, Main Tu Assi Tussi, Yaaran Naal Baharan, and Nalaik were released in 2005. Dil Apna Punjabi(again pairing Harbhajan and director Manmohan), Ek Jind Ek Jaan, Mannat (directed and written by Gurbir Singh Grewal, having Jimmy Sheirgill and introducing Kulraj Randhawa), and Waris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris came out in 2006. Kambdi Kalai, a Punjabi diaspora movie based out of the United States, came out in 2006. Rustam-e-Hind and Mitti Wajan Mardi (with Harbhajan and Manmohan) were released in 2007. A significant number of movies were produced in 2008: Hashar: A Love Story, Yaariyan, Mera Pind, Lakh pardesi hoye,Heaven on earth, and Sat sri akal. In 2009, Jag Jeodeye Deh Mele became a hit, and Tera Mera Ki Ristha with Jimmy Shergillwas a hit. But the biggest earner of all the Punjabi films was Manmohan Singhs Munde Uk De with Jimmy Shergill and Gurpreet Ghugghi. Munde Uk De broke the record of Dil Apna Punjabi which was also directed by 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. In 2010, 16 movies were released. Mel Karade Rabba starring Jimmy Shergill later broke all records and grossed 110 million net, becoming the highest-grossing Punjabi film ever. 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 Puja and Goldie Somal, was released in August 2010. Also released in 2010 was Sukhmani (Hope for Life), starring Gurdas Maan, Juhi Chawla & Divya Dutta. In 2011, film Ek Noor starring Harshdeep Kaur and Yami Gautam was released. Chhevan Dariya (The Sixth River), directed byIsh 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. In February 2011, the PTC Punjabi channel organised the first ever PTC Punjabi Film Awards at Panchkula. It was a tremendous boost to the industry and was attended by the likes of Om Puri, Prem Chopra, Gurdas Maan, Guddu Dhanoa,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 The Lion of Punjab starring Diljit Dosanjh and Dharti starring 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 took Punjabi cinema to next level. In September 2011, Yaara o Dildaara was released, directed by Ksshitij Chaudhary and starring Harbhajan Mann, Tulip Joshi, Kabir Bedi, and Gurpreet Ghuggi. This year was the considered as Golden year of Punjabi cinema and industry reached many milestones in this year by having all India impact. There was release of Hollywood-style film Mirza – The Untold Story in April starring Yo Yo Honey Singh. In June 2012 film Jatt & Juliet was greatest blockbuster and till now holds the title of best ever film of Punjabi cinema. This film established Diljit Dosanjh & Neeru Bajwa as superstars of Punjabi film industry. Himesh Reshammiya has purchased the remake rights of the movie for Rs. 3.5 crores. In July 2012 out and out comedy film Carry On Jatta was also blockbuster only after Jatt & Juliet commercially. In October 2012, Saadi Wakhri Hai Shaan, directed by Gurbir Grewal, was released. The film featured eight songs, which were composed by debut music director Dilpreet Bhatia. The films music was a contemporaryfusion of western classical and Punjabi folk music. This year many new Production houses started the production of too many comedy movies. Binnu Dhillon, Gurpreet Ghuggi,Jaswinder Bhalla, Rana Ranbir, Karamjit Anmol & 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. 2013 year carried the Golden phase of Punjabi movies to next level. Superstars Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, Gippy Grewal &Surveen Chawla stole the hearts of audiences by their successful films this year. Jatt & Juliet 2 broke the records of its prequelJatt & Juliet. Jatt & Juliet 2 was also released in Punjab, Pakistan and was greatly liked by Pakistani audience. Sadda Haq (film)a true story based in the late 1980s and early 1990s during a period of extreme turmoil in Punjab was second blockbuster of the year 2013 only after Jatt & Juliet 2. Bhaji in Problem was another Blockbuster of the year produced by Akshay Kumar and also having his extended appearance along with cricketer Harbhajan Singh. Other Hit Films were Jimmy Shergills Saadi Love Story starring Diljit Dosanjh, Fer Mamla Gadbad Gadbad starring Japji Khaira, Jatts In Golmaal starring Arya Babbar andSamiksha, Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 starring Yo Yo Honey Singh & Superstar Gippy Grewals Lucky Di Unlucky Story and action flick Singh vs Kaur. Hollywood Blockbuster A Good Day to Die Hard dubbed in Punjabi with superstar Gippy Grewals voice was released in Punjab. Many Meaningful Films Based On Social issues and Reality of Punjab were also successful like National Award winner Nabar,Stupid 7 based on student life in Punjab , chandigarh Student Politics based Sikander, Sadda Haq (film), corruption and social issues based Bikkar Bai Sentimental, religious film Dastaar, Punjab Bolda, Haani , Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya. This year also saw the production of the first Punjabi IMAX 3D feature film, Pehchaan 3D, produced and directed by Manny Parmar. Punjabi film industry has lots of potential as it is still a fast growing Rs 50 crore industry- against the Bollywood of Rs 4,000 crore - but based as it is in Mumbai, it is able to draw on many of the Hindi film industrys resources. Trade pundits are agreed that industry could easily expand to twice its current worth. Punjabi Film Industry is doing what many couldnt even perceive, life time revenues are touching figures like 30 crores and 40 crores. But in reality the share of makers is 50% but even that is too much for a investment as little as 1.5crores. But still even after earning 4 to 10 times the earnings its a business which scares the shit out of many people and often new producers just fail to realize the potential . With quality improving, Punjabi films are finding releases in Punjabi dominated areas of Delhi, and parts of Haryana alongside Whole of Punjab. Main territories of Punjabi film industry in India are East Punjab circuit, Delhi circuit and Rajasthan circuit. Punjabi films had limited scope even in northern belt in earlier times. They had no prospects in the metro cities. They used to release films with just five or six prints in territories like Delhi but now they releasing with more than 30 prints. Many films like jatt james bond and punjab 1984 released 300-500 Prints Worldwide.Worldwide territories include areas with vast Punjabi populated countries like Canada, UK, USA, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand andEurope. Many of Punjabi films have surpassed the gross collections of Hindi films in the overseas market. As of Home territory Punjab, there are 175 single screens. In the last five years, the multiplex chains in Punjab have seen a boom too. Against four multiplexes in all of Punjab in 2007, there are now 36 and 99 under construction. Hollywood Blockbuster A Good Day to Die Hard dubbed in Punjabi with superstar Gippy Grewals voice was released in Punjab. Indias first photorealistic performance capture film Kochadaiiyaan released in 3D and for traditional viewing on 23 May 2014 inPunjabi language Satluj De Kande (1964) and Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai (1969) directed by Panna Lal Maheshwari won the National Film Awards Certificate of Merit. Best feature film awards were won by Chaudhari Karnail Singh (1962), Jagga (1964), Sassi Punnu(1964), Sutlej De Kande (1967), Chann Pardesi (1980), directed by Chitrarth; Marhi Da Deeva(1989), directed by Surinder Singh; Kachehari (1994), Main Maa Punjab Dee (1998), written and directed by Balwant Dullat; Shaheed-E-Mohabbat (1999), directed by Manoj Punj; Shaheed Udham Singh (2000), directed by Chitrarth; Des Hoya Pardes (2005), directed by Manoj Punj; andWaris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris (2006), directed by Manoj Punj. The film Anhe Ghore Da Daan(2011) won National Awards for Best Direction, Cinematography and Best Feature Film in Punjabi at the 59th National Film Awards of India. Nabar (2013) won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi in 60th National Film Awards.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 04:12:20 +0000
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