The divine tone

Jasmine Singh

This time, it’s not about how many tickets sold. This time, it’s not about getting to hear the zing of the box office, and this time, it is definitely not about bracketing it in a hit or a flop. This time, memories walk down a religious lane, sanctity takes a precedence, family values come calling and emotions run large, ready to soak every heart that is waiting for the release of cult Punjabi film Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai in enhanced colour format.

An endeavour by Wave Cinemas’ Ponty Chadha and Shemaroo Entertainment in association with Raju Chadha, Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai with the original storyline, original cast will now make a better viewing experience with colour correction and improved sound quality!

Rahul Mittra, CEO Wave Cinemas, actor Jimmy Shergill and Raju Chadha, the people who feel strongly about the film and who are not even touching anything remotely commercial related to it, pour in their feelings with the film.

This iconic Punjabi film which hits India and abroad (one week later from the India release), had created history by winning the national award. Before Rahul Mittra explains the reason for release, he quickly takes a peep at the theaters where this film was playing in the year 1969.

“I was told that the movie-goers would remove their shoes and then go inside the theatre where the film would be playing. Imagine the positive effect it had on people,” shares Rahul, who is confident that now is actually the right time to release the film since it advocates family values.

It is obvious for one to wonder where will Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai stand amidst the tension in Punjab, where religious mercury is on all-time high. Rahul mentions the film is totally apolitical. “In fact, in the present times we need to see the film even more, the generation will be motivated to see the honour of family values, the faith in god which is shown in the film.”

Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai with a better sound quality and colour correction will definitely make it a better view. Also, because the team hasn’t tampered with the ‘master’ at all. Rahul had clear instructions coming his way, he smiles, “I was told to do what it takes to make it a better viewing experience without doing anything to the length or the story. So, people who have seen this film and had mentioned about it to their children, can now see it again with their families,” Rahul adds making it absolutely clear that the film is not being seen as a money making exercise. “It is all about emotions,” he adds. And it is emotions that connect actor Jimmy Shergil to this film who comes to support the endeavour. Yes, he has seen the film and that is the reason why he connects to it and feels it will connect to the audience at large because, “it has strong emotions, anything, any film, Punjabi, Hindi or English, if it has emotions it stands the test of time.”

Jimmy heard of the film from his mother who had a collection of religious films at that time. “I see Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai as a spiritual experience. It shows what the divine can do, something that we all need to see and learn, relearn,” shares the actor. With the film hitting Punjab the same day as heartthrobs Diljit Dosanjh and Ranbir Kapoor come calling with Mukhtiar Chadha and Tamaasha, respectively, Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai stands all the chance to sail through easily without turbulence.

“As I said, the reason for bringing it is all emotional. Besides, I have received congratulatory messages from Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, and also because the entire Punjab and overseas is waiting for it eagerly, we know it will create history again, by touching the hearts.”

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