Raj Kundra: Zero-to-Hero Stories Are Real, Lived by Many or Dreamed by Most

New Delhi [India], April 15: Not many days ago Raj Kundra released the teaser of his upcoming Pollywood film – Mehar. It is a teaser that touched countless hearts and made us anticipate more about the story. But one key thing that stayed in the hearts of many of us is the line – “Tu hero nahin, zero hai.” (you’re not a hero, but zero). It’s a feeling that reminded us of countless films where our hero has always been forced to feel like he’s nothing, but somehow he manages to pave his way and prove the world wrong.

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.