Director: Rupinder Chahal
Rating: ***
Released today, May 1, 2026, Pitt Siyapa (roughly translating to the "Chaos of Mourning") is a sharp, darkly comedic take on the lucrative business of grief. Directed by Rupinder Chahal, the film marks a significant tonal shift for Punjabi cinema, blending "jugaad" culture with a high-stakes crime caper.
The Story & Script
The narrative follows Nimmi (Sonam Bajwa), a sharp-witted young woman who turns her father's funeral into an accidental business model. Realizing that NRIs often cannot travel back for last rites, she launches the "Pitt Siyapa Company"—a service that organizes virtual, high-drama funerals complete with professional mourners.
The script, written by Rupinder Chahal and Anil Rodhan, is brilliant in its first half, mocking the performative nature of social grief. However, the stakes escalate when Nimmi’s "funeral trolley" is unknowingly used as a smuggling vehicle by a Dubai-based crime ring. While the transition from a "business comedy" to a "crime thriller" is energetic, the script occasionally loses its emotional grounding in the final act.
Direction & Screenplay
Rupinder Chahal (Main Viyah Nahi Karona Tere Naal) showcases a more mature directorial hand here. The screenplay is fast-paced and unapologetically quirky. Chahal uses the chaotic energy of a Punjabi household to mask the underlying tension of the crime plot. At 131 minutes, the film is tight, though some of the "romance" beats between the leads feel a bit rushed to fit the heist narrative.
Performances
Sonam Bajwa: As Nimmi, Sonam is the undisputed captain of the ship. She plays the "business-minded firebrand" with a perfect blend of cynicism and vulnerability. It is a performance that cements her status as a versatile lead who can carry a film on her shoulders.
Paramvir Singh Cheema: Fresh off the acclaim of Chamkila, Cheema plays Mickey, the wildcard who disrupts Nimmi’s operation. His chemistry with Sonam is electric, providing the film with its romantic and heroic heart.
The Comedy Veterans: Karamjit Anmol and Anita Devgan (as Manju Madam) are sensational. They play the "professional mourners" with such comedic precision that they steal every scene they are in.
Music & Technical Craft
Music: The soundtrack by Avvy Sra and V Rakx Music is a highlight. The "Siyapa Anthem" is already a viral hit, perfectly capturing the film's irreverent tone.
Cinematography: The film captures the rustic lanes of Punjab and the glitzy chaos of the business operation with a vibrant, high-contrast palette.
Final Verdict
Pitt Siyapa is a bold, "new-age" Punjabi film that isn't afraid to laugh at things usually considered taboo. It is a well-crafted entertainer that balances laughs, thrills, and a touch of romance. While the crime subplot might feel a bit far-fetched for some, the powerhouse performances make it a must-watch this summer.
Critic's Quote: “Sonam Bajwa turns mourning into a masterpiece of comedy. It’s a riotous, high-stakes ride that proves grief is a serious business.”
