Punjabi cinema

2021-08-23T09:40:20Z

2409:4055:2E01:4F8C:31AF:64B0:7591:AC8B: Image

{{short description|Punjabi-language film industry of India}}
{{about|the Punjabi language film industry in India|the Punjabi film industry in Pakistan|Lollywood}}
{{Other uses of|Pollywood|Pollywood (disambiguation){{!}}Pollywood}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox cinema market
| name = Punjabi cinema
| image = VR Ambarsar.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| alt =
| caption = [[INOX Leisure Limited|Inox]] at [[VR Ambarsar|VR Ambarsar Mall]] in [[Amritsar]]
| screens = 196
| screens_per_capita =
| distributors = {{br separated entries|Omjee Group|[[White Hill Studio|White Hill Productions]]|[[Rhythm Boyz Entertainment]]|}}
| Headquarters = [[Amritsar]]
| produced_year = 2014
| produced_ref =<ref>{{cite news|title=Currently, industry estimates peg the volume output of the industry at 50 films a year, with an estimated box office turnover in the range of Rs 400 to 450 crore.|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/harry-baweja-s-chaar-saahibzaade-rakes-in-rs-70-crore-globally-115010800141_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=industry which used to release barely six films till 2002 is gearing up to churn out 120 this year|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/jatt-di-film-113062101038_1.html}}</ref>
| produced_total = 100
| produced_fictional =
| produced_animated =
| produced_documentary =
| admissions_year =
| admissions_ref =
| admissions_total =
| admissions_per_capita =
| admissions_national =
| box_office_year = 2014
| box_office_ref =
| box_office_total = {{INRConvert|10|b}}<ref>{{cite news|title=500cr punjabi industry|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/the-coming-of-age-of-punjabi-cinema/1/205030.html}}</ref>
| box_office_national = {{INRConvert|9.5|b}}<ref>{{cite news|title=estimated box office turnover in the range of Rs 400 to 450 crore.|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/harry-baweja-s-chaar-saahibzaade-rakes-in-rs-70-crore-globally-115010800141_1.html}}</ref>
}}

'''Punjabi cinema''', sometimes [[Metonymy|metonymously]] referred to as '''Pollywood''',<ref>{{cite news|title=Pollywood the word for punjabi cinema|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/Punjabi-actresses-are-turning-back-to-Pollywood/articleshow/14052346.cms}}{{cite news|title=Pollywood directory will furnish contact details of over 1500 eminent personalities and also struggling new comers in the Punjabi film and music industry.|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/First-Pollywood-directory-to-release-in-April/articleshow/19362189.cms}}{{cite news|title=The theme of the film Police in Pollywood – Balle Balle by Gautam Productions is that the police will now direct and produce Punjabi films.|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/Policemen-turn-filmmakers-in-Police-In-Pollywood-Balle-Balle/articleshow/38788880.cms}}{{cite news|title=Pollywood Directory (A first of its own kind of initiative to organize Punjabi Cinema)|url=http://www.face2news.com/news/9734-kirron-kher-to-unveil-rangeen-world-pollywood-directory-on-august-25-at-chandigarh-press-club.aspx}}</ref> is the [[Punjabi language]] film industry centred around the state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] in [[India]] based in [[Amritsar]] and [[Mohali]].

The cinema of [[Punjab]] has its beginnings with the 1928 production of ''[[Daughters of Today (1928 film)|Daughters of Today]]'', the earliest feature film produced in Punjab. The first [[sound film]], ''[[Heer Ranjha (1932 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|date=April 2020}}

==History==
{{Punjabi film list}}
Film operations started in the 1920s in [[Lahore]], the provincial capital of [[British Punjab]]. The first silent film, ''[[Daughters of Today (1928 film)|Daughters of Today]]'', was released in 1924 in Lahore; the city had nine operational cinema houses.<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra">{{cite web|url=http://cinepick.com/Pak/lollywood-1.html|title=History of Lollywood: The Silent Era|publisher=Pakistani Film|access-date=2008-07-01}}</ref> Movies shown at these cinemas were mostly produced in [[Bombay]] and [[Calcutta]], and seldom from [[Hollywood]] and [[London]].<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra"/>

''Daughters of Today'' was a brainchild of G.K. Mehta, a former officer with the [[North Western Railway (British India)|North-Western Railways]] who, much like [[H. S. Bhatavdekar]], had imported a camera into the country. Mehta continued to produce newsreel coverage for companies abroad and delved into further film projects but his dedication gave way when he promptly left the film industry for more profitable ventures.<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra"/> But it was to be later in 1929–1930, when [[Abdur Rashid Kardar]]'s ''[[Husn Ka Daku]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0231768/|title=Husn Ka Daku|publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]|access-date=2008-07-01}}</ref> 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.<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra"/> 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.<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra"/>

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 Ahmed Khan|Nazir]], [[Pran (actor)|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.<ref name="CITEREFSilentEra"/> Produced by Hakim Ram Prasad, the 1932 released ''[[Heer Ranjha (1932 film)|Heer Ranjha]]'', originally titled ''Hoor Punjab'', was the first Punjabi sound film ever made.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0231708/|title=Heer Ranjha (1932)|publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]|access-date=1 July 2008}}</ref> 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.

[[File:Bhati Gate (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|The façade of Bhati Gate|200px]]
Produced by Indira Movie Tone, Krishna Dev Mehra released his directorial début, ''[[Sheela (film)|Pind Di Kudi]]'', in 1935.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Indian popular cinema: a narrative of cultural change|last=Gokulsing |first=K.|author2=Wimal Dissanayake |year=2004|publisher=Trentham Books|isbn=978-1-85856-329-9|page=24 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_plssuFIar8C&q=Ayodhyecha+Raja+1932&pg=PA24 }}</ref> The sound film, Pind Di Kudi was produced in Calcutta and released in Lahore and introduced young [[Noor Jehan|Noor Jahan]] as an actor and a playback singer. Due to the success of this film, interest in Punjabi films started to escalate;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041219/spectrum/main5.htm|title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum|work=tribuneindia.com|access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> therefore, in 1938, with the assistance of Madan Mohan Mehra, K.D. Mehra released his second Punjabi sound film, ''[[Heer Sial (1938 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 (actor)|Motilal]], [[Chandra Mohan (Hindi actor)|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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apnaorg.com/columns/ahameed/column-38.html|title=Bhati Gate – Lahore's Chelsea|publisher=Academy of Punjab|access-date=1 July 2008}}</ref> 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|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 [[K.L. Saigal]], [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], [[Dilip Kumar]] and [[Dev Anand]] and singers such as [[Mohammed Rafi]], [[Noorjahan]] and [[Shamshad Begum]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ghosh|first1=Partha S.|title=Migrants, Refugees and the Stateless in South Asia|date=2016|publisher=[[SAGE Publications]]|isbn=9789351508557|page=263|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X242DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA263|language=en}}</ref> 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 (1950 film)|Posti]]'', ''[[Do Lachhian]]'' and ''[[Bhangra (film)|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.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Voice Next Door|url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/lede/voice-next-door}}</ref> 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 (India)|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 [[Sikhism in India|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 Sub Sansar|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 (actor, born 1939)|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 (actor)|Johnny Walker]], [[Ranjeet]] and [[Dara Singh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974) Full Cast & Crew|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308194/fullcredits/}}</ref>

''[[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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070519/saturday/main1.htm|title=The Tribune – Magazine section – Saturday Extra|work=tribuneindia.com|access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref>

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 film's songs were especially loved.

Two hit films of 1985 were Mohammad Sadiq's ''Guddo'' and Veerendra's ''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 [[Gugu Gill|Guggu Gill]] and [[Yograj Singh]] to take leading roles.

1988 had no major film releases. In 1989 came the critically acclaimed ''[[Marhi Da Deeva (1989 film)|Marhi Da Deeva]]''. The film starred [[Raj Babbar]], [[Pankaj Kapur]], [[Kanwaljit Singh (actor)|Kanwaljit Singh]], [[Parikshit Sahni]], and [[Deepti Naval]].

====1990s====
In 1990 ''Qurbani Jatt Di'' was released, starring [[Gugu Gill|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 [[Gugu Gill|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 [[Gugu Gill|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)|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 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 (actor, born 1974)|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 (director)|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 (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 Singh (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 Singh (director)|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 U.K. De]]'' with [[Jimmy Shergill]] and [[Gurpreet Ghuggi]].

''[[Munde U.K. De]]'' broke the record of ''Dil Apna Punjabi'' which was also directed by [[Manmohan Singh (director)|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 [[Punjabi language in the United Kingdom|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 [[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 (film)|The Lion of Punjab]]'' starring [[Diljit Dosanjh]] and ''[[Dharti (2011)|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.

{{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 ({{INRConvert|90|m}}) in the history of Punjabi cinema<ref>{{cite news|title=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.|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/life-style/words-aren-t-enough/17354.html}}</ref> in April starring [[Gippi 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 {{INRConvert|35|m}}. 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 [[Manmohan Singh (director)|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 (music)|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.

{{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 [[Punjab, Pakistan|Pakistani Punjab]] in over 15 screens and was greatly liked by Pakistani audiences.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sidhu was the man behind the wide release of Jatt and Juliet 2 in Pakistan last October|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/sme/the-engineer-who-produces-blockbuster-punjabi-films-114051901203_1.html}}</ref>

''[[Sadda Haq (film)|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 [[Sameksha|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 language|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 (film)|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 film|3D feature film]], ''[[Pehchaan 3D]]'', produced and directed by Manny Parmar.

[[Irrfan Khan]] starrer ''[[Qissa (film)|Qissa]]'' won four awards in ''Indian International Film Festival of Queensland'' of best actor award for [[Irrfan Khan|Irrfan]], best actress award for [[Tillotama Shome]], best director award for [[Anup Singh (filmmaker)|Anup Singh]] and best cinematography for Sebastian Edschmid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Qissa won awards|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Punjabi-film-sweeps-Indian-International-Film-Festival-in-Australia/articleshow/37732759.cms}}</ref>

{{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 [[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]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=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.|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/life-style/happy-go-not-so-lucky/18856.html}}</ref> In This year many Action Films were released like ''[[Kirpaan: The Sword of Honour]]'', ''[[Fateh (2014 film)|Fateh]]'', ''[[Romeo Ranjha]]'', ''[[Yoddha (2014 film)|Yoddha The Warrior]]'' and ''Baaz''. Released in January, ''[[Patiala Dreamz]]'' was a romantic thriller,<ref>{{cite web|title=BNN|url=http://ballewood.in/movies/news/patiala-dreamz-a-thriller|access-date=14 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229004532/http://ballewood.in/movies/news/patiala-dreamz-a-thriller|archive-date=29 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> with right doses of action, suspense, romance and comedy. There were many movies touching [[1984 anti-Sikh riots|1984 subject]] such as ''[[Punjab 1984]]'', ''[[Kaum De Heere]]'', ''[[47 to 84|47 to 84 Hun Main Kisnu Watan Kahunga]]''. Other films released in this year were ''[[Aa Gaye Munde U.K. 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 language|Punjabi]] 3D animated historical drama. It was a blockbuster, grossing over {{INRConvert|700|m}} globally<ref>{{cite news|title=o much so that the movie, which cost Baweja Rs 20 crore, has earned around Rs 70 crore globally.|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/harry-baweja-s-chaar-saahibzaade-rakes-in-rs-70-crore-globally-115010800141_1.html}}</ref> and was made tax free by governments of states like [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Delhi]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[Uttrakhand]], [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=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 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/cinematic-power-rules/article1-1289378.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220035619/http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/cinematic-power-rules/article1-1289378.aspx |archive-date=20 December 2014 }}</ref>

The Canadian-Punjabi feature film ''[[Work Weather Wife]]'' represented Canada at the [[87th Academy Awards|87th Oscar Awards]] (87th Academy Awards) and it was the only [[List of Canadian films of 2014|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 (Actor)|Harpreet Sandhu]] and [[Reema Nagra]] in the lead role with Dilbag Brar and [[Kirat Bhattal]]. It is directed by [[Harpreet Sandhu (Actor)|Harpreet Sandhu]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Surrey-based Punjabi film Work Weather Wife shortlisted for Academy Award|url=http://www.vancouverdesi.com/news/surrey-based-punjabi-film-work-weather-wife-shortlisted-for-academy-award/832927/}}</ref>

{{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 {{INRConvert|500|m}} milestone gross earning record, according to the film pandits. Second Blockbuster film was [[Amrinder Gill]], [[Sargun Mehta]], [[Aditi Sharma (actress, born 1983)|Aditi Sharma]] and [[Binnu Dhillon]] starrer, 1945 based rural Punjabi love story ''[[Angrej]]'' which did very well both in Punjab as well as abroad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Regional films too did substantially well at the Box Office. Punjabi films – 'Sardaar Ji' and 'Angrej'.|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/bollywood-blockbuster-2015-heres-list-of-highest-grossing-indian-film_1834852.html}}</ref>

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 (2015 film)|Faraar]]'' (directed by Baljit Singh Deo brought in double role with suspense) was the highest budget film with {{INRConvert|130|m}} in the history of Punjabi cinema. Other flop films were ''[[Dildariyaan]]'', ''[[Hero Naam Yaad Rakhi]]'', ''[[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).<ref>{{cite news|title=Of Fridays and fried days. They all promised a film with a difference. But only a few Punjabi filmmakers kept their promise in 2015.|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/life-style/of-fridays-and-fried-days/172507.html}}</ref>

{{Main|List of Punjabi films of 2016}}

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.

{{Main|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, [[Channa Mereya]], [[Sardar Mohammad]], [[Nikka Zaildar 2]] and [[Vekh Baraatan Challiyan]] were some of the commercial hits.

{{Main|List of Punjabi films of 2018}}

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]].

{{Main|List of Punjabi films of 2019}}

In year 2019, total 61 punjabi films were released worldwide with superhits like ''[[Shadaa]]'', ''[[Ardaas Karaan (film)|Ardaas Karaan]]'', ''[[Chal Mera Putt]]'', ''[[Muklawa]]'', ''[[Manje Bistre 2]]'', ''[[Nikka Zaildar 3]]'', ''[[Singham (2019 film)|Singham]]'', ''[[Rabb Da Radio 2]]'', ''Dil Diyaan Gallan'', ''Blackia'', ''[[Laiye Je Yaarian]]'', ''[[Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh]]'', ''[[Kaka Ji]]'' and ''Band Vajje''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/power-to-pollywood-19089|title=Power to Pollywood|last=Kaur|first=Gurnaaz|website=The Tribune|language=en|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/ardaas-karaan-to-surkhi-bindi-top-7-movies-of-2019-that-proved-punjabi-cinema-is-more-than-just-rom-coms/photostory/73046716.cms|title='Ardaas Karaan' to 'Surkhi Bindi': Top 7 movies of 2019 that proved Punjabi cinema is more than just rom-coms|date=2019-12-31|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref> ''[[Harjeeta]]'' won two awards for Best Punjabi Film and Best Child Actor at [[66th National Film Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/harjeeta-national-award-best-punjabi-film-harjeet-singh-tuli-hockey-world-cup-5893839/|title=Harjeeta wins best Punjabi Film Award: 'If movie based on me can inspire youngsters, I will feel lucky'|date=2019-08-10|website=The Indian Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref> Song ''[[Laung Laachi (song)|Laung Laachi]]'' from ''[[Laung Laachi]]'' film became the first Indian song to reach one billion views on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/laung-laachi-first-indian-song-to-get-1billion-youtube-views/1690803|title=''Laung Laachi'' first Indian song to get 1-billion YouTube views|website=Outlook India|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref>

== Festivals ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!width="25%"|Name
!width="5%"|Est.
!width="10%"|City
!width="15%"|Type
!width="30%"|Details
!width="15%"|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/
|-
|Virasat Film Festival and Awards||2016||[[Melbourne]]||Special interest ||Annual festival focusing on Punjabi films.||http://www.virasatipffa.net
|}

== Film distribution and production companies ==
Notable Punjabi film distribution and/or production companies include:
* [https://www.insidemotionpictures.com/ Inside Motion Pictures]
* '''[[Cine Heights]]'''
* [[Rhythm Boyz Entertainment]]
* [[White Hill Studio|White Hill Productions]]
* [[Gippy Grewal|Humble Motion Pictures]]
* Shri Narotam Ji Productions
* Vehli Janta Films
* [[Villagers Film Studio]]
* Naughty Men Productions
* Dream Reality Films
* Unisys Infosolutions Pvt Ltd/Saga Music Pvt Ltd

==Distribution==
[[File:Cine-Monumentos de Amritsar-India10.JPG|right|thumb|Regent Cinema, [[Amritsar]]]][[File:Punjabi cinema punjabi film at hari theatre jammu india.jpg|thumb| 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 [[Punjab, India|East Punjab]] and [[Punjab, Pakistan|West Punjab]] and low number of screens in Punjabi-speaking areas of [[Delhi]] and [[Rajasthan]] ([[Sri Ganganagar]], [[Hanumangarh]]) and no prospect in metro cities, distribution was a problem for Punjabi filmmakers. It was difficult to compete with the huge demand for films created by [[Bollywood]]. Gradually, Punjabi companies moved to the [[Australasia]]n, [[Europe]]an and [[North America]]n markets.

In recent years, [[Canada]] has become a popular destination for shooting Punjabi films<ref>{{cite news|title=Victoria meets Bollywood: Punjabi stars shoot film on Inner Harbour|url=http://www.timescolonist.com/news/victoria-meets-bollywood-punjabi-stars-shoot-film-on-inner-harbour-1.11143}}</ref> and is the second largest market of Punjabi cinema.<ref>{{cite news|title=At least 50 percent of the money is recovered from overseas," Sahni said, adding that Canada is a strong market for Punjabi cinema.|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/manjeet-mann-talks-about-punjabi-cinema-18743.html}}</ref> About 50 percent of the revenue for all successful Punjabi films are generated from the overseas markets, including [[Australia]], Canada, [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]], [[United Kingdom]] and [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news|title=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.|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/play/beyond-balle-balle/99/}}</ref> A number of Punjabi films have also surpassed the gross collections of Bollywood films in the overseas markets. Punjabi films are finding more releases in Punjabi-dominated areas of [[South Asia]], including East Punjab, West Punjab, Delhi, [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]],<ref>{{cite news|title=the market extends beyond Punjab to Himachal, Haryana, Jammu, western UP, Uttarakhand, and of course the UK, US, Canada and Australia.|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Chak-De-Pollywood/291502}}</ref> [[Uttarakhand]] ([[Rudrapur, Uttarakhand|Rudrapur]], [[Bajpur]], [[Kashipur, Uttarakhand|Kashipur]]) and<ref>{{cite web|title=Punjabi community settled in Udham Singh Nagar.|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Punjabs-Cheema-is-Uttarakhands-jan-kavi-candidate/articleshow/32806795.cms}}</ref> [[Jammu]].<ref>{{cite news|title=new Punjabi movie "Proud to be a Sikh" is being released in Jammu|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/punjabi-movie-proud-to-be-a-sikh-being-released-at-jammu-punjab-on-apr-4/}}</ref> Punjabi films are also distributed to less-Punjabi populated regions, including [[states and union territories of India|states of India]]: [[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]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Housefull, far & beyond: Punjabi films are now capturing sizeable markets in territories outside Punjab, both in India and abroad|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/life-style/housefull-far--beyond/223664.html}}</ref> Punjabi cinema makes zero money from satellite or music due to absence of a sustainable satellite mechanism.<ref>{{cite news|title=challenge Punjabi filmmakers face is getting satellite rights.|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/punjabi-cinema-not-just-about-balle-balle-114112401280_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Punjabi film industry do not have many choices for a satellite release|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/harry-baweja-s-chaar-saahibzaade-rakes-in-rs-70-crore-globally-115010800141_1.html}}</ref>

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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesstoday.in/lifestyle/report/punjab-film-industry/story/19654.html|title=Screens}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> 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==
In Punjabi cinema only a few movies are considered meaningful.<ref>{{cite news|title=Only 20% of Punjabi movies meaningful|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/only-20-of-punjabi-movies-meaningful/article1-1319117.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221102928/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/only-20-of-punjabi-movies-meaningful/article1-1319117.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Punjabi film industry has established [[Parallel Cinema]] in these years also.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reel vs real Punjab|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140622/spectrum/main1.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Independent films are changing the image of Punjabi cinema|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/independent-films-are-changing-the-image-of-punjabi-cinema/179928.html}}</ref>
The National Award-winning ''[[Marhi Da Deeva (1989 film)|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 [[Dalit]]s in Punjab.<ref>{{cite news|title=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.|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/punjab1984-has-given-a-fresh-imprint-to-punjabi-films/article6267841.ece}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/masala-art/punjabi-film-making-waves-at-international-film-festivals | title = Punjabi Film Making Waves at International Film Festivals | author = Jatinder Preet | publisher = [[The Sunday Guardian]] | date = 2011-10-02 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mdaily.bhaskar.com/article/top-stories/4444/t/240/CHD-punjabi-film-anhey-ghore-da-daan-wins-the-best-film-award-at-iffi-4096040-NOR.html/2012/20120212/spectrum/book5.htm | title=Punjabi film Anhey Ghore Da Daan wins the best Punjabi film award at IFFI | publisher= [[Dainik Bhaskar]] }}</ref>
''[[Khamosh Pani]]'' (2003) is a tragic story of widowed mother and her young son set in a late 1970s village in [[Punjab, Pakistan|West Punjab]] and relations of communities after [[Partition of India|1947 Partition of Punjab]] starring [[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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Punjabi cinema's cannes debut|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cannesfilmfestival2014/punjabi-cinema-s-cannes-debut/article1-1217106.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713065714/http://www.hindustantimes.com/cannesfilmfestival2014/punjabi-cinema-s-cannes-debut/article1-1217106.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2015}}</ref>
*''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.
*''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]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title='Sutta Naag' was also premiered at the IFFSA, PIFF in 2013.|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/film-based-on-punjabi-story-to-premiere-at-int-l-film-festival/article1-1344830.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513205851/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/film-based-on-punjabi-story-to-premiere-at-int-l-film-festival/article1-1344830.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 May 2015}}</ref>
*''Khoon'' (2015), film based on [[Gurbachan Singh Bhullar]]'s Short story was shown at the [[Punjabi International Film Festival]], [[Toronto]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Khoon, the film received critical acclaim at the Toronto Punjabi Film Festival|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/life-style/gyan-zone/changing-for-the-better/99700.html}}</ref>
*''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 begger, 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 (South Asia)|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'', beautiful love story with very different kind of misunderstanding, Directed by Navtej Sandhu.

==Highest-grossing Punjabi films (worldwide)==

{{Main|List of highest-grossing Punjabi films}}


{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="margin:auto; margin:auto;"
! scope="col" | Rank
! scope="col" | Peak
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Director
! scope="col" | Production House
! scope="col" | Worldwide Gross
|-
| 1
| 1
! scope="row" | ''[[Chaar Sahibzaade]]''
| 2014
| [[Harry Baweja]]
| [[Baweja Movies]]
| {{INRConvert|70|c}}
|-
| 2
| 1
! scope="row" | ''[[Sardaar Ji|Sardaarji]]''
| 2015
| [[Rohit Jugraj Chauhan|Rohit Jugraj]]
| [[White Hill Studio]]
| {{INRConvert|62|c}}
|-
| 3
| 2
! scope="row" | ''[[Carry on Jatta 2]]''
| 2018
| [[Smeep Kang]]
| [[White Hill Studio]], A & A Advisors
| {{INRConvert|56.3|c}}
|-
| 4
| 3
! scope="row" | ''[[Manje Bistre]]''
| 2017
| [[Baljit Singh Deo]]
| Humble Motion Pictures
| {{INRConvert|31.7|c}}
|-
| 5
| 3
! scope="row" | ''[[Angrej]]''
| 2015
| [[Simerjit Singh]]
| Dara Productions, [[Rhythm Boyz Entertainment]]
| {{INRConvert|30.7|c}}
|}

== Awards ==

* [[Filmfare Awards Punjabi|Filmfare Awards]]
* [[PTC Punjabi Film Awards]]
* Brit Asia Film Awards

== Personalities ==

=== Directors ===
* [[InsideAKY]]
* [[Himanshu Dhar]]
* [[Gaurav Manku]]
* [[Dev Choudhary]]
* [[Amberdeep Singh]]
* [[Amitoj Maan]]
* [[Amit Prasher]]
* [[Anurag Singh (director)|Anurag Singh]]
* [[Baljit Singh Deo]]
* [[ Balwant Dullat]]
* [[Channa Rai]]
* [[Chitrarth Singh]]
* [[Gippy Grewal]]
* [[Harry Baweja]]
* [[Jagdeep Sidhu]]
* [[Ksshitij Chaudhary]]
* [[Manbhavan Singh]]
* [[Manmord Sidhu]]
* [[Manmohan Singh]]
* [[Manoj Punj ]]
* [[Navtej Sandhu]]
* [[Neeru Bajwa]]
* [[Nidhi.M. Singh]]
* [[Pali Bhupinder Singh]]
* [[Pankaj Batra]]
* [[Rohit Jugraj Chauhan]]
* [[Simerjit Singh]]
* [[Smeep Kang]]
* [[Sukh Sanghera]]
* [[Sukhminder Dhanjal]]

=== Actors ===
<gallery>
File:Amrinder Singh Gill.jpg|[[Amrinder Gill]], star of ''[[Angrej]]'' and ''[[Lahoriye]]''
File:Babbu Maan Vancouver 2010.jpg|[[Babbu Maan]], star of ''Hashar'' and ''[[Ekam – Son of Soil]]''
File:Binnu Dhillon.jpg|[[Binnu Dhillon]], star of ''[[Bambukat]]'' and ''[[Carry On Jatta]]''
File:Diljit Dosanjh during Soorma promotion 05.jpg|[[Diljit Dosanjh]], star of ''[[Jatt & Juliet]]'' and ''[[Punjab 1984]]''
File:Gippy Grewal in Chandigarh (cropped).jpg|[[Gippy Grewal]], star of ''[[Carry on Jatta 2]]'' and ''[[Manje Bistre]]''
File:Gurdas Mann.jpg|[[Gurdas Maan]], star of ''[[Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh]]'' and ''Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da''
File:Gurpreet Ghuggi 2017.jpg|[[Gurpreet Ghuggi]], star of ''[[Ardaas (film)|Ardaas]]'' and ''[[Munde U.K. De]]''
File:Harbhajan-Mann1.jpg|[[Harbhajan Mann]], star of ''[[Asa Nu Maan Watna Da]]'' and ''[[Jee Aayan Nu]]''
File:Jassi Gill.JPG|[[Jassi Gill]], star of ''[[Mr & Mrs 420]]'' and ''[[Sargi]]''
File:Mandy Takhar picture.jpg|[[Mandy Takhar]], star of ''[[Mirza – The Untold Story]]'' and ''[[Rabb Da Radio]]''
File:Neeru Bajwa at Kochi International Fashion Week 2011 02.jpg|[[Neeru Bajwa]], star of ''[[Jatt & Juliet 2]]'' and ''[[Jihne Mera Dil Luteya]]''
File:Rana Ranbir.jpg|[[Rana Ranbir]], star of ''[[Ardaas (film)|Ardaas]]'' and ''Asees''
File:Sargun Mehta at a pre-Diwali party.jpg|[[Sargun Mehta]], star of ''[[Angrej]]'' and ''[[Lahoriye]]''
File:Sonam Bajwa (cropped).jpg|[[Sonam Bajwa]], star of ''[[Manje Bistre]]'' and ''[[Sardaar Ji 2]]''
File:Amrit Maan3.jpg|[[Amrit Maan]], star of [[Channa Mereya (film)|Channa Mereya]]
File:Ranjit Bawa.jpg|[[Ranjit Bawa]], star of [[Sarvann]]
File:Kulbir Jhinjer Gurbir Ghumaan.jpg|[[Tarsem Jassar]], star of [[Rabb Da Radio]] and [[Rabb Da Radio 2]]
File:Guggu-gill.jpg|[[Gugu Gill]], star of [[Putt Jattan De]] and [[Badla Jatti Da]]
</gallery>

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

* [[InsideAKY]]
* [[B.N. Sharma]]
* [[Gugu Gill]]
* [[Harish Verma]]
* [[Jaswinder Bhalla]]
* [[Karamjit Anmol]]
* [[Nav Bajwa]]
* [[Ranjit Bawa]]
* [[Shavinder Mahal]]
* [[Sardar Sohi]]

'''Actresses'''
{{Main|List of Punjabi cinema actresses}}

* [[Himanshi Khurana]]
* [[Japji Khaira]]
* [[Juhi Chawla]]
* [[Kulraj Randhawa]]
* [[Mahi Gill]]
* [[Monica Gill]]
* [[Nimrat Khaira]]
* [[Nirmal Rishi]]
* [[Simi Chahal]]
* [[Wamiqa Gabbi]]
{{Clear}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Film|Punjab}}
* [[Cinema of the world]]
* [[List of Punjabi films]]
* [[List of highest-grossing Punjabi films]]
* [[Lists of Indian Punjabi films]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Cinema of India}}
{{Cinema of Punjab}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cinema Of Punjab}}
[[Category:Punjabi cinema| ]]
[[Category:Cinema of Punjab]]
[[Category:Punjabi language]]
[[Category:Cinema by language of India]]
[[Category:Cinema of India by state or union territory|Punjabi]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Punjabi cinema