Punjabi cinema is on the brink of a national breakthrough, as major studios and marquee performers join forces to take its stories beyond traditional boundaries. Long celebrated abroad—in Europe, Southeast Asia and markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Australia—Punjabi films are now eyeing a truly pan-India footprint.
This shift was on full display yesterday in Amritsar, where singer-actor Babbu Maan, co-star Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Hashneen Chauhan and the rest of the ensemble for their new release Shonki Sardar met with fans and media ahead of the film’s global debut on May 16. The project is a collaboration between Zee Studios, Boss Music Records Pvt. Ltd and 751 Films, and represents a growing trend of powerful partnerships boosting regional content into the mainstream.
Directed by Dheeraj Kedarnath Rattan and helmed on the production side by Ishaan Kapoor, Shah Jandiali, Dharmendra Batoli and Harjot Singh, Shonki Sardar also features industry stalwart Guggu Gill and chart-topping singer-turned-actor Guru Randhawa. Their involvement underscores the belief that Punjabi storytelling—anchored in its vibrant culture, relatable characters and pulse-pounding music—can captivate audiences across India’s diverse language landscape.
“There’s hardly a corner of the globe untouched by a Punjabi rhythm,” Maan said, reflecting on the genre’s musical reach. Yet he warned that, at home, the Punjabi tongue merits more champions. “As proud as we are that our songs and films travel far, we must ensure our mother tongue remains strong in Punjab itself.”
Far from the familiar tropes of rural gunplay or hero-versus-villain sagas, Shonki Sardar aims to be a multi-generational family entertainer. “We’ve woven a tale that speaks to every age,” Maan explained. “It’s light, it’s fun—and it’s unmistakably Punjabi in spirit.”
True to that spirit, the Amritsar event turned into an impromptu street party when fans surged forward chanting “Maan Saab! Maan Saab!” The actor graciously treated them to renditions of his classic hits, while the assembled cast—Guggu Gill, Ahluwalia, Chauhan and Rattan—joined villagers in dance and celebration. An exclusive preview of the film’s soundtrack revealed “Chamber,” an upbeat number that had the crowd singing along within seconds.
With its blend of seasoned and emerging talent, strong production backing and a fresh, family-friendly storyline, Shonki Sardar could mark a turning point for Punjabi cinema’s national ambitions. As it rolls out in theaters worldwide tomorrow, the industry will be watching closely to see if this regional powerhouse can finally claim its place on India’s big screen.
