In the regional web

Sheetal

YouTubers, independent singers, theatre artistes and content writers in Punjab are a busy lot these days. Why? The global reach of internet and the booming craze for web series. Yes, the popularity of web series has reached Punjabi soil too and keeping the creative lot much in business. 

Says Rabby Tiwana, the director of Punjabi web series Yaar Jigree Kasooti Degree, “I never believed in promotion of work, but the audience we connect to will surely want a sequel of the first.” However, he did not forget to give credit to the song sung by Sherry Mann for the series, which became hugely popular and garnered 10 million views in the finale episode. 

Yaar Jigree Kasooti Degree had the flavour of Punjab, which is why it was embraced with open arms, especially the youth. Rabby, who was inspired from his school time to write something for theatre artistes, adds, “The platform I was looking for was just a click away. I made my own YouTube channel, Troll Punjabi. Then, I launched my first web series and the second season will be launched by the year end,” he adds. The actors finalised for the project were mostly from the Centre of Advanced Media Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, from where the director himself passed-out. 

Popular trend

Although everyone considers Yaar Jigree Kasooti Degree as the first Punjabi web series, White Hills Music stepped into the field with Sleepless Nights in 2016. It did not gain much popularity, but the story was gripping and carried a message for youngsters.

For Gangland In Motherland, popular singers Guri and Jass Manak were roped-in to promote the series. The series is a take on the growing gangster culture in Punjab. In the series, actors like Nishawn Bhullar, Param Baidwan, Yaad Grewal, Victor John and Mehtab Virk were shown in a new light. 

Love lanes

The new romantic web series Ishq De Bulle, whose trailer was launched on February 4 this year, is also quite popular; says the director, Bunty Jandwalia, “Web series is like the IPL of the film industry, where one can give a chance to young artistes to explore their talent.”

Student Wars, which was launched on April 20, has been directed by Jaspal Dhillon. He adds, The story will only address the war of ideologies of different groups and target every issue of Punjab, including gangs and drugs." 

If all goes well, the future of web series in the region looks quite bright!