Punjabi films breaking boundaries, says Babbu Mann at ‘Shonki Sardar’ promotional

With big production studios and established stars collaborating, Punjabi films are now set to go for a pan-India market, something that did not quite work out earlier. Probably one of the few Indian regional film industries to crack the overseas market before it went pan-India, Punjabi films have a wider market presence in Europe and South West Asia including markets like Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

Aiming high with this view, actor-singer Babbu Mann said that Punjabi cinema is now resonating with its culture, subjects and music. “There is hardly anyone across the world, who has not listened to a Punjabi song or beat being played,” he said.

Mann, along with actor Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Hashneen Chauhan the and the team of his upcoming film “Shonki Sardar” was in Amritsar on a promotional tour.

The film is a joint production of Zee Studios, Boss Music Records Private Ltd and 751 Films and is releasing in cinemas worldwide tomorrow (May 16).

Directed by Dheeraj Kedarnath Rattan and produced by Ishaan Kapoor, Shah Jandiali, Dharmendra Batoli and Harjot Singh, the film also stars popular Punjabi actor Guggu Gill and star Punjabi singer-turned-actor Guru Randhawa. Guru has now joined the list of globally popular Punjabi singers to take up acting full-time.

Despite years in the industry, Babbu Mann, who was once controversy’s favourite child, seemed to have taken it all in stride, with a smile. A vocal actor, Mann always advocated Punjabi film industry’s bigger purpose in going beyond conventional film-making and competing with the best. “We have the talent, the stories and above all, the music that breaks boundaries,” he said. The only thing he concerns himself with is the language. “Punjabi, though quite globalised a language, is losing ground at home. We need to work to promote it,” he said.

Doing most of the talking, Mann also shared that his latest film is not about gun culture, or conventional story of the same characters and familiar background. “It’s a family entertainer, a story that will relate with every generation. It’s a soft, light-hearted film.”

Mann was pleasantly surprised by the echoes of “Maan Saab! Maan Saab!” as fans thronged the venue, jostling for the perfect Instagram picture with their favourite actor and singer. Mann obliged by singing his all-time favourite songs.

Actors Guggu Gill, Nimrat Kaur Ahluwalia, Hashneen Chauhan and Dheeraj Kumar also lit up the environment with their pairing and enthusiasm. At one point, the entire cast danced with the audience, adding colours of joy. The audience present was also shown a glimpse of the songs from the film, in which an upbeat track called “Chamber” was the most liked.

Amritsar