Dhol, drama & baraat: Sarbala Ji trailer launch unveils with wedding vibes, Punjabi pride and pure emotion

You know that feeling when a movie trailer doesn’t just tease the story — it pulls you right into its world? That’s what Sarbala Ji did on Monday. Not with flashing lights or red carpets, but with dhol beats, folk songs and the riotous energy of a big, fat Punjabi wedding. Honestly, it didn’t feel like a press event — it felt like we were all part of someone’s baraat.

The trailer launch, hosted by Tips Films Ltd. at The Mohali Club, Wyndham, turned out to be a proper celebration — complete with floral décor, upbeat music and the unmistakable vibe of Punjab in its full festive form. The cast? Fully present and soaking in the madness. Gippy Grewal, Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, Nimrat Khaira, Guggu Gill and Girish Kumar were all there, as was director Mandeep Kumar and producer Kumar Taurani. It was crowded, sure. But the kind of crowded where the air feels charged.

Not just a film — a feeling

Let’s talk about Sarbala Ji. Set in the 1930s, the film tells a surprisingly layered story of cousin marriages. On paper? Sounds simple. But the trailer paints a bittersweet tale filled with quiet rebellion, family expectations and that classic Punjabi blend of laughter and longing.

At its heart is Gajjan Singh — a painfully shy, wide-eyed groom-to-be who looks like he’d rather run than get married. Opposite him stands Pyaro, who could probably outwrestle half the village if she had to. She’s got that mischievous smile, a fire in her voice and the kind of presence that makes you root for her right away.

“Sarbala Ji is a heartfelt family drama,” said director Mandeep Kumar while speaking to media. “It’s inspired by moments that we’ve all lived through but never had the words for.”

Gippy Grewal, who seems to speak in pure feels these days, chimed in: “This isn’t just a film — it’s a feeling. It’s what the heart of Punjab sounds like when no one’s trying to impress anyone.”

Ammy Virk’s throwback moment

And then came the laughter. Ammy Virk, ever the crowd-pleaser, shared a memory that had people chuckling. “Main asli Sarbala reh chukka haan,” he joked, “8-10 vaar. Baraat ch chadhai jaandi si ghode te — te baad ch bus vich ik kone vich bhul jaande si.” (He used to be a Sarbala — a child who accompanies the groom — multiple times. Given royal treatment during the wedding, only to be forgotten when it was time to return.)

It was an oddly perfect metaphor for the film’s premise — celebrated rituals layered with emotional gaps. And that’s what seems to set Sarbala Ji apart. It’s not afraid to acknowledge that under all the glitter and bhangra, Punjabi weddings are full of complex, often unspoken emotions.

Music, moments, & more

Oh and if you’re a fan of Punjabi music? The film’s soundtrack is shaping up to be a treat. The latest single Garari, composed by Kulshan Sandhu and choreographed by Amit Syal, has already found a home in wedding playlists. It stars Ammy, Gippy and Jasmeen Akhtar — three personalities you don’t expect to see in one frame, but somehow it works.

Credit where credit’s due — cinematographer Navneet Missar’s visual storytelling and AV Sara’s music seem to be the backbone of this nostalgic, vibrant journey. The film is written by Inderjit Moga (his debut) and you can feel his pen digging into small-town texture and timeless family dilemmas.

Celebration awaits

Sarabla Ji hits theatres on July 18 and judging by the launch buzz, it’s going to stir up more than just box office numbers.

Entertainment