Pollywood films have often been celebrated for their humour and their ability to make us laugh and roll on the floor. We watch them to take a break from reality but their underlying themes have always made us feel at home. Through the stories, we’ve found hope, laughter, strength and resilience. But in many of the Punjabi films, the story of “nobodies” often comes in the backdrop of a laughter ride or a romantic tale.
And the viewers have happily embraced the Punjabi storytelling too. Between 2010 and 2015, the Punjabi film industry’s revenue skyrocketed from 21 crores to 172 crores, nearly 50% of the compound annual growth rate. In early 2000s, Pollywood only witnessed the release of 6-7 films but by 2022, over 1000 Punjabi films have been produced. In 2019, we saw the global release of 61 Punjabi films worldwide. The numbers speak louder about how Pollywood storytelling has created space for itself in the world of filmbuffs.
A significant portion of Punjabi cinema draws its essence from timeless folk tales and the transformative tides of history. Right from the time when the first Punjabi film was released at Niranjan Talkies in Lahore in 1935, till today, their emotional storytelling still captures the heart of everyone who’s watching it. A lot of Punjabi cinema also rose from the rich repertoire of Heer Sayal, Sohni Mahiwal, Yamla Jatt and many more. Eventually, Bhakhri brothers led Pollywood to its golden era with films like Bhangra and Karnail Singh. Films like Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai also carved a space for stories that are rooted in beliefs and spirituality. Eventually over a period of time, after many transitions, it has given birth to entertaining films like Jatt and Juliet, Carry on Jatta and many others. These films have not only been celebrated in Punjab but globally as well.
Amidst the growing popularity of storytelling in films – the trope of “Zero to hero” has always stood out. Viewers watch their protagonist on screen who they relate to, and watch them win and conquer every enemy. It reflects not just their own journey but a victory even they aspire to have. And Punjabi cinema has always delved with this trope in its own unique ways. Films like Qismat, Angrej, Chal mera Putt, Chidiyan da Chamba have been watched and celebrated by many. Their underdog story might not be the typical inspirational story like the international film “Rocky”, but the “Zero to hero” trope is silently wrapped in the package of romance, comedy, family drama and other popular genres.
Raj Kundra who’s now making his mark in the world of Pollywood also says, “I’ve grown up watching films that celebrate the nothingness of a person and watch him become someone bigger. The stories where heroes fight every odd and emerge as better humans has a special space in my heart. And it’s not just me, but the masses sitting inside the theatre feel the same. Because zero-to-hero stories are not just on screen stories, but experiences people have lived or wish to live.”
What might join the celebrated list of films in Pollywood is the upcoming – “Mehar”, which literally translates into – “blessings”. Already the talk of the town for its teaser and premise, it’s being eagerly awaited. Produced by Divvya Bhatnagar and Raghu Khanna, the film is all set to be released on September 5th, 2025. It’s a tale of relationships, love and life inspired by the blessings that surround us. Rakesh Mehta, one of the most celebrated Punjabi filmmaker has directed the heartfelt story starring Raj Kundra, Geeta Basra, Baninder Bunny, Master Agamveer Singh, Savita Bhatti, Rupinder Rupi, Deep Mandeep, Ashish Duggal, Hobby Dhaliwal, Tarsem Paul, and Kulvir Sony.
The film’s premise holds strong promise, poised to resonate deeply with fans of heartfelt family dramas. It has an emotionally rich narrative and it aims to strike a chord with audiences across generations. Marking Raj Kundra’s acting debut, it stands as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases.
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