A promising Punjabi script

Gurnaaz Kaur

The announcement of phased re-opening of all activities has filled everyone in the Punjabi film industry with renewed hope. Producer-distributor Karaj Gill of Rhythm Boyz informs that a meeting among producers, directors, artistes and writers will be held soon. “All main production houses and big artistes will give a proposal to the administration, suggesting new ways of working. The day we get the permission, two films will go on the floors, which were scripted in the last three months. I can’t disclose the names or the stars yet, but there’s enough work to start immediately.”

Hands full

Munish Sahni, owner of Omjee production and distribution company, says, “We have already given the request letter, which includes what all precautions will be taken, the whole plan to get work started, sanitisation, number of people, places to be used for shoots, etc. We are just waiting to get a nod from the government. Once that comes, we will release the trailer of Galwakdi, starring Tarsem Jassar and Wamiqa Gabbi, complete the post-production of Gol Gappe, 90 per cent of which was already complete before lockdown, and also complete the trailer of Beautiful Billo. We have the distribution of Posti, a ready-to-release film, while Maa has just five-six days of shoot pending.” His banner has also shortlisted three scripts, which need some fine-tuning before being announced.

Another big banner, White Hill Studio, has its game plan chalked out. “Work should resume by mid or end of June. Necessary precautions that need to be taken have been circulated to all the producers,” says Gunbir Sidhu, producer-distributor.

He says post-production work should start in the studios in Mumbai and even locally. “Under our banner, we will be shooting two new movies within this year. ”

Looking forward

“My film Yaar Anmulle, which was to release on March 27, is ready. I am in talks with some big banners in Mumbai that want to come here and shoot. A new project in Punjabi is also in the offing,” shares Harish Verma.

Jobanpreet Singh, who had completed a script before lockdown, says, “The director and executive producer has been finalised. It’s a story about a group of boys, so we have to sign the actors. I’ll be acting in it too. Once the permission is received, we will start work within a week.” Even Wamiqa Gabbi has a lot in her kitty. “Two of my Punjabi films were complete, so I am waiting for their release. There are a few projects (not Punjabi) that may start in July.”