Punjabi actor and filmmaker Gippy Grewal believes the Punjabi film industry's primary focus remains on big-screen releases, and it will be several years before it fully embraces the streaming space.
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Grewal, known for his contributions both in Punjabi and Hindi cinema, made his directorial debut with "Ardaas" in 2016, followed by its sequel "Ardaas Karaan" in 2019. The latest film in the series, which also stars Jasmin Bhasin and Gurpreet Ghuggi, hit theatres last Friday.
"The entire focus of our Punjabi industry is on cinema. The cinema of Punjab is getting big, and our target is to make it bigger," Grewal said in an interview.
The 41-year-old actor explained that while Hindi cinema already has a vast reach, allowing it to present its content on OTT platforms easily, Punjabi cinema is still growing and will need another four to five years to shift its focus to streaming platforms.
"Maybe in another 4-5 years, we will concentrate on OTT, but right now everyone is focusing on cinema," said Grewal, who is also recognised for his roles in Hindi films such as "Second Hand Husband" and "Lucknow Central."
Growing popularity overseas
The actor highlighted the expanding reach of Punjabi cinema overseas and in the Hindi belt, citing the pan-India success of films like "Jatt & Juliet" and "Carry On Jatta."
Grewal noted that Punjabi films are witnessing substantial releases in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada, and are also becoming popular in different regions of India.
"We have been to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and Canada, where there are big releases of Punjabi films... I think we are in the zone where our films will be released pan-India. Our last two-three films have worked well, even got sold out at Chennai. So we are hoping for the same for this one," he added.
Punjabi stories yet to ne told
Gurpreet Ghuggi, another prominent figure in Punjabi cinema and a frequent collaborator with Grewal, acknowledged the growing popularity of Punjabi content on OTT platforms.
He praised shows like "Tabbar" and "Kohrra" for showcasing Punjab’s stories to a larger audience but cautioned that pure Punjabi content might limit its reach.
"'Tabbar' and 'Kohrra' are already on the backdrop of Punjab, and mostly actors and makers are from there, but they are using a mix of Hindi and Punjabi just to make the scope wider. If it's in pure Punjabi, then the audience won't get it," said Ghuggi.
Ghuggi also stressed that Punjab's rich history and its contribution to India’s freedom struggle remain largely unexplored in cinema.
"There are so many subjects that have glory, but they haven't come out yet. Religious stories and stories around our freedom fighters are still not explored fully. There are so many unsung heroes in Punjab. Gradually, they are being brought forward. I think the time will come when we will present the real Punjab on-screen," he remarked.
Bond Beyond the Screen
Gurpreet Ghuggi has worked closely with Gippy Grewal in all three "Ardaas" films as well as in other popular Punjabi films like "Carry On Jatta," "Manje Bistre," and "Double Di Trouble."
Their long-term collaboration has led to a strong bond, which Ghuggi describes as familial.
"It feels like I am working with the family," Ghuggi said, reflecting on their camaraderie on and off the screen. Known for his impeccable comic timing, Ghuggi has left a mark in both Punjabi and Hindi films, including "Namastey London," "Race," "Singh is Kinng," and the upcoming "Dunki." However, he is careful not to be typecast in comic roles.
"I do not want to categorise myself. For example, Paresh Rawal, he explored himself so much in characters. Mehmood saab comedy karte karte, 'Kunwara Baap' mein rulate chale jaate hai. So, I am enjoying the thing that whatever is best in me should come to the screen," Ghuggi added.
Bhasin echoes industry sentiments
Jasmin Bhasin, who stars in the latest "Ardaas" instalment, echoed the sentiments of her co-stars.
Known for her roles in popular Hindi TV shows like "Tashan-e-Ishq," "Dil Se Dil Tak," and the film "Honeymoon," Bhasin noted that while the Hindi film industry is vast and prolific in producing OTT content, Punjabi filmmakers are currently more inclined toward traditional cinema.
"In Hindi, people are producing more content on OTT because it's a very vast industry. In Punjab, there is also web content. So, Punjabi cinema is also going towards web and OTT, it's growing out there," she stated.
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