Director: Pankaj Batra
Rating: ***½
As a critic who appreciates the nuances of Punjabi cinema, reviewing a sequel like Bambukat 2 is a delightful challenge. Released today, February 20, 2026, this sequel reunites the powerhouse team of director Pankaj Batra and writer Jass Grewal to recapture the magic of the 2016 cult classic.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the film:
The Story & Script
Set several years after the original, the story shifts from the personal rivalry over a motorcycle to a broader socio-political struggle. Chanan Singh (Ammy Virk), now a disgraced inventor dismissed from the royal palace, returns to his village. The script by Jass Grewal is a masterclass in evolution; it keeps the "underdog" spirit alive but elevates the stakes. Instead of just fighting for the respect of his in-laws, Chanan finds himself at the center of a class war against the "crown." The transition from a lighthearted romantic comedy to a poignant drama about dignity and revolution is seamless.
Direction & Screenplay
Pankaj Batra once again proves why he is a visionary in the Punjabi industry. His direction is steady, allowing the emotional beats to breathe. The screenplay manages a difficult balancing act: it provides the high-energy "race" sequences that fans expect while grounding the film in 1960s realism. The pacing in the second act dips slightly, but the climax—a metaphorical race for justice—is executed with incredible tension.
Performances
Ammy Virk: Ammy has matured significantly since the first film. His portrayal of a man who has lost everything but his pride is hauntingly effective. His "eyes-only" acting in the jail sequences is some of his best work to date.
Simi Chahal: As Pakko, Simi remains the emotional heartbeat of the film. She brings a quiet strength to the role, moving away from the "damsel" trope to a supportive partner who shares Chanan's burden.
Binnu Dhillon: While the first film saw him as the antagonist of sorts, his character here is more nuanced. Binnu provides the necessary levity with his signature comic timing, but he also delivers in the more serious, confrontational scenes.
Gurpreet Ghuggi & Karamjit Anmol: These veterans provide a solid foundation. Ghuggi, in particular, delivers dialogues that are as philosophical as they are witty.
Music & Background Score
Jatinder Shah returns to the helm, and the soundtrack is a soul-stirring tribute to old-school Punjab.
Music: The songs are woven into the narration rather than being "breaks." There is a spiritual successor to "Langhe Paani" that is destined to become a chartbuster.
Background Score: The use of traditional instruments during the invention sequences adds a rhythmic, mechanical pulse to the film that is very unique.
Technical Aspects: Cinematography & Dialogue
Cinematography: Vineet Malhotra captures the rustic beauty of the Ferozpur belt with a warm, sepia-toned palette that feels nostalgic yet crisp.
Dialogues: The dialogues are sharp and deeply rooted in Malwa Punjabi. They capture the "Thath" (grandeur) of the era while delivering heavy-hitting lines about social equality.
Final Verdict
Bambukat 2 is that rare sequel that doesn't just ride on the coattails of its predecessor. It expands the world of Chanan Singh into something more meaningful. It is a story of how an "invention" can become a "revolution."
