Off the recent decade, we’ve seen a gigantic growth in the Punjabi film industry, and the past year saw some good and more than just-good films in the Punjabi cinema. Where some films brought to front amazing talents, some were in talks because of the stories that led to their making. Ammy Virk’s back-to- back hits, Neeru Bajwa’s heart-touching performance, and Amrinder Gill’s chocolaty role have been the glimpse of the year.
While there had been trendsetter films, on the other hand, the audience has also been disheartened by few films which had set high hopes. Dedicated efforts towards making and bringing out quality content for the audience was seen. We had a look at the films that ‘Not So Good’, ‘Good’, and ‘Exceptionally Well’ in the year of 2016, and here’s a list for you …
Channo- Kamli Yaar Di
The film saw Neeru Bajwa’s outstanding performance as a pregnant woman in search for her
husband while she was pregnant in her real life. A huge round of applause for the actor who made it
an ‘effortless’ performance. The story being not too strong, but the casting Binu Dhillon onto the
main lead and a surprise entry by the much-loved singer Jassie Gill were another points of highlights.
Love Punjab
The chocolate-looks actor Amrinder Gill and much talented actress Sargun Mehta made it a hit with
their talent and fan-following. A good storyline, well-presented and well-executed film was loved by
the audience across countries.
Ardaas
Another strong casting and a story dedicatedly focused on the theme of issues faced by the rural
India, the farmers, was a remarkable effort of good content. Film had a focused approach towards
what it really wanted to show, instead of going haywire. Although the topic was not untouched, but
the presentation and the outstanding works by all artists made it a successful project.
Lock
A story line worth watching, Lock is a kind of non-commercial film which selected audience loved. A
well-presented film that did make it to numbers due to its cast and strong trailers. Gippy’s fans were
not disappointed by this film.
Sardaarji 2
One of the most looked for film, Sardaarji2 couldn’t do it as expected among the audience. It looks
like the trend of making ‘sequels’ has not always been a very good idea for the Pollywood industry
too. The story was weak and the audience had a lot more expected from Diljit.
Ambarsariya and Once Upon A Time In Amritsar
Both films based on incidents revolving around Amritsar were a mix of strong concepts, but weak
execution. Diljit’s yet another much expected project and Dilpreet Dhillon’s debut film was not much
of a pleasure, but it can be said a ‘one-time- watch’. Not blaming onto the cast, but the direction and
the story could have performed well. Overall, these two films couldn’t fair much well in the eyes of
the audience.
Vaisakhi List
A good strong cast, an entertaining concept, but not well executed. Another film with high hopes,
but it was not a strong come out. Definitely holding a place in the list of films to be talked about in
2016 due to its cast and Ranjit Bawa’s song ‘Jatt Mele Agya’, but the audience found it an average
storyline and a one-time- watch.
Dulla Bhatti
Another much talked about film due to its casting, Binu Dhillon’s second film as a lead character, had
high hopes by the audience. But weak storyline and execution gave it an average rating. The film was
being looked forward to because of Binu’s strong presence, a good-looking trailer, and Ammy’s
fabulous song ‘Wakh’. Other than that, film couldn’t do much well in the box office.
Main Teri Tu Mera
Roshan’s Prince’s romantic comedy and Mankirat Aulakh’s acting debut did bring audience to the
theatre. The innocent love story is well presented on the screen by touching a different kind of
concept. Another decent looking rom-com adds its name to the list.
Bambukaat and Nikka Zaildar
A sigh of relief when talking about these two, because Bambukaat and Nikka Zaildar were probably
one of the most-best sellers of the year. Ammy’s back-to- back hits have made him not just a singing
star but a truly confirmed strong actor! Both stories had A-grade concepts, well execution, and truly
deserved to be called Supeerhits! Bambutkaat and Nikka Zaildar were the real highlights of good
quality Punjabi cinema in the year of 2016!
Chaar Sahibzaade 2
A truly well executed animation of the Chaar Sahibzaade, Banda Singh Bahadur, Mata Gujri ji, and
the beautiful representation of Guru Gobind Singh ji along with everyone is an example of good
quality work. The representation of the Sikh struggle in the form of a film made it to one of the
leading positions in the year of 2016.
Motor Mitra Di
And last but not the least, Motir Mitra Di! A strong, untouched, and well-presented concept of
‘Thagg Babas’ is what the film is all about. The multi-starrer comedy film has been much talked
about mainly due to its theme with a message and Yograj Singh’s strong character of a greedy baba
who takes his followers to a ride. Although it couldn’t do much well on the box office, but the film
was definitely a one-time- watch and made a strong presence towards the end of the year of 2016!
Few more films like Bhatinda Express, Teshan, Canada Di Flight, Wake up Singh, Lakeeran, Saadey
CM Saab were released, but couldn’t make a name.
Even though it was a mix of decent and not-so- good films, the year 2016 did see a huge amount of
content increase in the Punjabi Cinema industry with various untouched topics giving scope to the
industry to a level next. We hope to see a strong, quality, and a good-looking Punjabi Cinema in the
year of 2017!
Think we missed out on something? Do comment below to share your thought!
