Punjabi films have always been a source of fascination for the people of Punjab. People used to anticipate movies with bated breath, and when the movie started in the theatres, there was a pin drop silence. People used to be so enthralled by fight scenes that they would leap from their seats and yell. Punjabi films featured a diverse range of entertaining elements, including music, romance, action, comedy, dialogues, and actors and actresses. Hence, we've compiled a list of classic Punjabi films for your viewing pleasure.
An interesting story is depicted in a romantic – drama film starring Raj Babbar, Om Puri, and Nirmal Rishi. It is about a man who returns to his village after living in Canada for fifteen years. All rejoice at his return, but he surprises his family by falling in love with the housemaid. The soundtrack, composed by legendary composer Jagjit Singh, is what makes the film truly endearing.
Kankan De Ohle is a 1971 Punjabi film directed by Omi Bedi, starring Ravinder Kapoor, Indira, Jeevan, Uma Dutt, Mumtaz Begum, and others with the guest appearance of Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. In the film, everyone in the village is fond of Madan whose father is in prison. An evil money lender becomes a problem for the villagers who then seek the help of Madan. Will Madan fight for his people?
Anurag Singh directed Punjab 1984, a 2014 Indian Punjabi language period drama film. It is based on the social effects of the Punjab rebellion of 1984–86, and it tells the story of a mother and her lost son.
Putt Jattan De starred Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Daljeet Kaur, and Baldev Khosla and was one of Punjab's most successful films. The film has a really intriguing plot and music, and it was a smash hit in Punjabi cinema history.
Many Punjabis have settled in other countries, especially Canada. This film was a game-changer because it captured the real feelings of a Punjabi living away from his homeland. It is a touching tale starring Harbhajan Mann, Kimi Verma, and Priya Gill that provides a true glimpse into the hardships that one goes through while living abroad and returning to his birthplace after many years.
Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar is a Punjabi language film directed by Dara Singh. The lyrics were written by Prem Dhawan. Dhawan was awarded National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 1972 for its movie songs. The film stars Dara Singh, Balraj Sahni and Pran in the lead roles.
The record-breaking Punjabi film was a satirical comedy about the police department. Jaspal Bhatti, a famous comedian, produced, directed and acted in the film, which is considered a pioneer in the Punjabi film industry. It's the story of a couple who are bothered by a dishonest police officer. The rest of the plot revolves around how they escape the web of deceit.
A devotional Punjabi film that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi and the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1970 and was a box office success. The film stars Prithvi Raj Kapoor, I.S. Johar, Nishi, and Vimi and is based on a real event that occurred at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Jimmy Shergill, Surveen Chawla, Rannvijay Singh, Japji Khaira, Prem Chopra, Rahul Dev, Binnu Dhillon, and Shavinder Mahal star in Dharti, which is produced by Darshan Singh Grewal, J.S. Kataria, and Jimmy Shergill. Jimmy Shergill's experience is in the Air Force, where he now serves as the Squadron Commander.
The film stars Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Gurdas Mann, Mehar Mittal, and Aruna Irani, among others, and tells a gripping tale. It is based on a guy with a pure heart. He comes across an orphan boy on his pilgrimage and agrees to raise him. He was rewarded with his own son two years later. All is well before the brothers grow up and develop a hatred for one another.