Film operations started in the 1920s in
Lahore, the provincial capital of
British India. The first silent film,
Daughters of Today, was released in 1924 in Lahore; the city had nine operational cinema houses. Movies shown at these cinemas were mostly produced in
Bombay and
Calcutta, and seldom from
Hollywood and
London. was released, that the film industry had established in essence in Lahore's
Bhati Gate locality. Kardar, a professional
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. 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. Produced by Indira Movie Tone, Krishna Dev Mehra released his directorial début,
Pind Di Kudi, in 1935. 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; 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
Bombay and Calcutta to Lahore. Prominent names included
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, 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, but with tensions running swift towards the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947, most of the actors travelled 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 In 1947, the British Indian 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
K.L. Saigal,
Prithviraj Kapoor,
Dilip Kumar and
Dev Anand and singers such as
Mohammed Rafi,
Noorjahan and
Shamshad Begum. 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. 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,
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 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.
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,
Ranjeet 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 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. 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 as a star..
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
Patola as one of the major release. In 1989 came the critically acclaimed
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
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 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), 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
Avinash Wadhawan,
Upasana Singh, Paramveer, and
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
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 (introducing
Prabhleen Sandhu),
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 (introducing
Gurleen Chopra),
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 Rishta with
Jimmy Shergill and
Kulraj Randhawa was a hit. But the biggest earner of all the Punjabi films was Manmohan Singh's
Munde UK De with
Jimmy Shergill and
Gurpreet Ghuggi.
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.
2010s In 2010, 16 movies were released.
Mel Karade Rabba starring
Jimmy Shergill,
Gippy Grewal later broke all records and grossed 110 million net, becoming the highest-grossing Punjabi film ever.
Babbu Maan's
Ekam – Son of Soil was released in April and was a smash hit. It brought 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 and Divya Dutta. 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
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 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. 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 () in the history of Punjabi cinema 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 . 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,
Ajj De Ranjhe starring
Deep Dhillon and
Kul Sidhu was released. It was directed by
Man ji. 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 film's music was a contemporary
fusion 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 and
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 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.
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.
Bhaji in Problem starring
Gippy Grewal 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 Shergill's
Saadi Love Story starring
Diljit Dosanjh,
Fer Mamla Gadbad Gadbad starring
Roshan Prince and
Japji Khaira,
Jatts in Golmaal starring
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,
Sadda Haq, corruption and social issues based
Bikkar Bai Sentimental, religious film
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. In year 2014, around 42 films were released and nearly 80 per cent of those films were all
slapstick comedies. Most successful films of the year were blockbusters like
Chaar Sahibzaade(3D),
Gippy Grewal's
Jatt James Bond,
Disco Singh,
Double Di Trouble,
Diljit Dosanjh's
Punjab 1984,
Mr & Mrs 420,
Goreya Nu Daffa Karo. In This year many Action Films were released like
Kirpaan: The Sword of Honour,
Fateh,
Romeo Ranjha,
Yoddha The Warrior (2014 film) and
Baaz. Released in January,
Patiala Dreamz was a romantic thriller, with right doses of action, suspense, romance and comedy. There were many movies touching
1984 subject such as
Punjab 1984,
Kaum De Heere,
47 to 84 Hun Main Kisnu Watan Kahunga. Other films released in this year were
Aa Gaye Munde UK De starring
Jimmy Shergill and
Neeru Bajwa,
Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin starring
Jassi Gill,
Roshan Prince and
Simran Kaur Mundi,
Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar starring
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
Dharmendra and
Poonam Dhillon in
Double Di Trouble, famous Bollywood comedian
Razak Khan in
Marriage da garriage, Bollywood actress
Zarine Khan in
Jatt James Bond, singer
Garry Sandhu in
Romeo Ranjha.
Chaar Sahibzaade was the first
Punjabi 3D animated historical drama. It was a blockbuster, grossing over globally and was made tax free by governments of states like
Madhya Pradesh,
Delhi,
Punjab,
Uttrakhand,
Uttar Pradesh. The Canadian-Punjabi feature film
Work Weather Wife represented Canada at the
87th Oscar Awards (87th Academy Awards) and it was the only
Canadian film that made the final shortlist of 79 Best Original Songs with its songs Moon and Long Braid. At 72nd Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language Feature Film and made the top 53 films in the long list. It stars
Harpreet Sandhu and
Reema Nagra in the lead role with Dilbag Brar and
Kirat Bhattal. It is directed by
Harpreet Sandhu. 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 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. 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 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). In 2016, as many as 41 movies were released.
Ambarsariya,
Sardaar Ji 2,
Love Punjab,
Vaisakhi List,
Channo Kamli Yaar Di,
Kaptaan,
Saadey CM Saab,
Bambukat,
Chauthi Koot,
Nikka Zaildar were some of the big commercial/critical winners. 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,
Channa Mereya,
Sardar Mohammad,
Nikka Zaildar 2 and
Vekh Baraatan Challiyan were some of the commercial hits. In the year 2018, the first ever war-based Punjabi movie,
Sajjan Singh Rangroot, set during World War I and starring
Diljit Dosanjh, was released.
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. In year 2019, total 61 Punjabi films were released worldwide with superhits like
Shadaa,
Ardaas Karaan,
Chal Mera Putt,
Muklawa,
Manje Bistre 2,
Nikka Zaildar 3,
Singham,
Rabb Da Radio 2,
Dil Diyaan Gallan,
Blackia,
Laiye Je Yaarian,
Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh,
Kaka Ji and
Band Vajje.
Harjeeta won two awards for Best Punjabi Film and Best Child Actor at
66th National Film Awards. Song
Laung Laachi from
Laung Laachi film became the first Indian song to reach one billion views on YouTube. == Festivals ==