Drawing parallels

Gurnaaz Kaur

“We are creating parallel cinema in Punjabi film industry,” says actor Dev Kharoud, who will be seen in Dakuaan Da Munda releasing this Friday. 

This actor came to limelight with films Rupinder Gandhi 1 and 2 and he believes there are two types of films being made these days, one, that are films of singers, and the other, which are actor-driven. 

“Punjabi cinema has undergone a huge transformation in recent years. There was a time when the likes of Veerendra Singh made and acted in films; then a phase came where Gugu Gill and Yograj Singh ruled the screen. Nowadays, there are films of singers and that of actors. We fall in the second category and our aim is to make films of substance.”

Based on the life of a former Kabbadi player Mintu Gursariya, this autobiographical film directed by Mandeep Benipal, is an adaptation of a book with the same title. 

“We have captured the highs and lows of Gursariya’s life, his struggles and self-realisation. It is a film that is bound to have a positive impact on youth. Especially in a time where drug menace has gripped the state, his story will prove inspirational,” says Dev.

The star cast of movie includes Pooja Verma, Jagjeet Sandhu and Lucky Dhaliwal. Jagjeet feels every character is important and the picturisation of this film says it all. “I believe side characters are the pillars of every film. We create the aura of a hero. Have you seen a film that only has a hero run on the box office?”

Choosing a real-life story as their subject and experimentation as their medium, the cast and crew of this film aim to showcase how determination can change life.

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com