Punjabi cinema has long been a major draw for the region’s residents. People used to eagerly anticipate movies back in the day, and when they finally started, there was complete and utter quiet in the theaters. In those days, you could hear a pin drop. People used to become so enthusiastic during fight scenes that they would get out of their chairs and yell during the entire action.
Songs, drama, action, humor, dialogues, actors, and actresses were all there and accounted for a significant portion of the excitement in Punjabi films.
Before the period of Jazzy B and Honey Singh began, Punjabi entertainment was very focused on the family. It also had some sort of social message that was woven into its movies and songs in such a lovely way that it can still impart a great deal of knowledge to younger people.
Top 10 Must-Watch Classic Punjabi Movies
Today, I’d like to take you on a trip down memory lane by providing a list of 10 vintage Punjabi movies that you just have to watch. So, why don’t you guys come along?
1. Posti- 1950
Posti, a Punjabi film that was released around that time and starred the then-famous Majnu and Shyama, was a huge financial success at the box office and became an immediate blockbuster not only in Punjab but also in Delhi.
This film was Asha Bhosle’s first major acting role, and she made her debut by singing the song “do guttan kar meriyan.” During that time period, one of the most well-known punjabi songs was called “ja bhaira posti.”
2. Mama Ji- 1964
Another fantastic old Punjabi film with the legendary Gopal Saigal and Indira Billi in the leading roles. The romantic comedy that is known as Mama Ji features some of the best performers, dialogue, and music ever put together in one package.
Mohammad Rafi, Shamshad Begum, and Mahinder Kapoor were the three main vocalists featured in this movie. A very popular Punjabi song of this movie was teri do takiaan di naukri, ve mera lakhaan da saawan jaanda.
3. Bhangra-1959
The audience in Punjab was extremely enthusiastic about the film Bhangra, which was made in Punjabi. This Punjabi movie was an all-rounder in terms of the enjoyment it provided due to the fact that the major roles were played by the classic beauties Nishi and Manju.
In addition to having an incredible narrative, the Bhangra movie captured the hearts of millions of people with the excellent Punjabi songs that it included.
These songs had a lot of success during that time period and were known by everyone who had heard them. The following are some of the movie’s most renowned songs:
4. Satluj De Kande- 1964
This classic and well-known Punjabi film was honored with a National Award back in its heyday. Romance was the theme of the film Satluj De Kande, which starred Balraj Sahni and Nishi. It was shown three times on Doordarshan, which is India’s equivalent of national television. You absolutely gotta watch it, guys.
5. In the year 1960, Do Lachhian.
One of the most well-known and successful Punjabi films from the 1960s era In the Punjabi film Do Lacchian, well-known performers and actresses including Gopal Sehgal, Daljeet, Indra Billi, and Krishna Kumari appeared in key roles.
The story of the film is a love drama centered on two women with the same name. The movie is jam-packed with hilarious moments, enjoyable musical numbers, and stunning acting performances.
Mohammad Rafi, Shamshad Begum, and Lata Mangeshkar were the primary vocalists in this movie. Its most renowned Punjabi songs were Haye ni Balam hai bara Zalim and Teri Kanak di Rakhi.
6. Lacchi- 1949
The film Lacchi was a huge success throughout the decade of the 1940s. It boasted an incredible narrative, fantastic performances from its cast and musicians, and everything else that drove audiences wild in theaters. Wasti was the name of the major actor in the Punjabi film, while Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, and Shamshad Begum were the singers who contributed to the film’s absolutely stunning soundtrack.
7. Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai- 1969
A devotional Punjabi film that was a huge smash at the box office and received two national awards in 1970: the National Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi and the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. Both awards were presented in 1970. Leading parts in the film were played by Prithvi Raj Kapoor, I.S. Johar, Nishi, and Vimi.
The story of the film was based on an actual event that occurred at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth, the film was remastered and made available to the public once more on November 27, 2015.
People still remember the songs from this Punjabi movie as being the finest devotional music ever made. The movie was released in the 1990s. Its most well-known tracks were:
8. Chann Pardesi- 1981
Famous Punjabi performers including Raj Babbar, Amrish Puri, Rama Vij, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Om Puri appeared in this film, which went on to become a great commercial success in Punjab.
Not only did Chann Pardesi succeed in winning the hearts of millions of people, but he also took home a national award. It is imperative that you all view this movie since it is widely regarded as one of the best and most iconic Punjabi films ever made.
9. Kankan De Ohle- 1971
This stunning Punjabi film stars Ravinder Kapoor, Indira, Jeevan, and a large number of other notable performers, as well as Dharmendra and Asha Parekh, who make cameo appearances in the film.
Asha Bhonsle and Mohammad Rafi, two of the most famous singers in the history of Indian music, contributed their voices to a number of popular Punjabi songs, including Dil Maithon Mangda, Chambe Di Dale Ni, and Hai Ne Main Sadke.
10. Dukh Bhanjan Tere Naam- 1974
This is yet another stunning devotional film to come out of Punjabi cinema, and it is based on a real-life event that is both riveting and moving, making it an absolute need to see. Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam is a fantastic film that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime. The film stars Dharmendra, Dara Singh, Sunil Dutt, and Radha Saluja.
11. Putt Jattan De- 1981
Putt Jattan De is recognized as one of the most successful films to have been produced in Punjab. The film stars Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Daljeet Kaur, and Baldev Khosla in the leading parts. This film is regarded as one of the most successful in the annals of Punjabi cinema, and it features songs and a narrative that are both incredibly engaging. So keep an eye on it, gentlemen.
Alright! That’s all I have to say, you guys. I really hope that you had as much fun reading the post as I did writing it and that you are looking forward to traveling to the lost and forgotten realms of Punjabi cinema by seeing some of the movies that were listed above.
