From Bhangra beats to box office hits — Punjabi cinema is going global, one film at a time.

Jasmine Singh

Punjabi cinema is breaking boundaries and this time, it’s with laughter. A new Punjabi film Viyaah kartaare Da, presented by Dharma Productions and Humble Motion Pictures FZCO.

This project involves collaboration between prominent Punjabi filmmakers and major production house In Bollywood with a global influence. This is a sign that Punjabi films are no longer just regional content but part of an international movement.

The trend isn’t new. Earlier, Punjabi singer-actor-producer Gippy Grewal made headlines with Akaal, a Punjabi film produced in collaboration with Bollywood giant Dharma Productions. Although the film faced criticism for not adhering strictly to Sikh historical standards, it represented a landmark moment showing that major Indian studios are ready to invest in Punjabi cinema.

Now, the momentum continues with this latest film, which leans into comedy, a genre with universal appeal. As Punjabi music continues its global takeover, with artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla topping charts and performing at international festivals, it’s only natural that Punjabi films follow suit.

“Punjabi culture has always been vibrant and global,” said Karan Gulani, a popular film director. “From Surrey to Toronto, and from California to Melbourne, the overseas market for Punjabi films is booming. These new collaborations are only going to accelerate that growth," he shared.

With global audiences increasingly open to diverse stories and languages, and platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime hunting for fresh content, the Punjabi film industry is poised to become a significant player in world cinema.