South Asian Outlook : An Independent e-Monthly | Entertainment: Punjabi film 'Chak Jawana' with Gurdas Mann

Gurdas Maan Hero of the film

Punjabi film 'Chak Jawana':
Gurdaas Mann in the Lead Role

BY AMAN LOONAA

Following the success of its maiden Punjabi film, 'Mera Pind-My Home', which saw the biggest opening ever for a Punjabi film in Punjab and overseas, BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance BIG Entertainment Ltd (RBEL) in association with Initiative Films, brings its second Punjabi film 'Chak Jawana'. The film completed its final shooting schedule in Chandigarh and is expected to release this year.

Produced by Balli Janjua and Rupinder Chahal of Initiative Films and directed by Simerjit Singh, 'Chak Jawana' highlights the problems faced by the youth of a village in Punjab. These young men become directionless after falling prey to the evil of drugs. The helpless elders worry about the future of their community. In this atmosphere of despair, Captain Gurjeet Singh (Gurdas Maan) arrives home on a month's leave from the Indian Navy. Disappointed with the situation prevailing in his village, he pledges to reform the undisciplined young men.

Gurdas Maan and Jonita Doda performing prayer

The film has Gurdas Maan in an inspirational lead role. Supporting him are Jonita Doda, Gaurav Kakkar, Gurkirtan and Rana Ranbir who play pivotal characters. Looking at the current situation of our country, an entertaining, family-oriented film which deals with social issues and concerns will be well received by the audience.

Said Mahesh Ramanathan, COO, BIG Pictures- "Our first Punjabi film "Mera Pind" did well beyond audience expectations. Our second film Chak Jawana is eagerly awaited in Punjab & abroad. Besides a strong entertainment quotient, the film has a strong message for the youth looking for greener pastures abroad. The film's music is a potential chartbuster. Chak Jawana is another example of BIG Pictures commitment to create exemplary films in the regional filmed entertainment space. BIG Pictures is the only studio in India that is committed to & aggressively implementing initiatives to create a pan-Indian motion picture slate to entertain regional film audiences too"

Gurdas Maan expressed his thoughts on Chak Jawana with his characteristic clarity– "When Rupinder, Balli and Simerjit narrated the script, I immediately gave my consent to be a part of this film. It highlights a serious issue in Punjab. Being a son of this soil, I have noted with grave concern the grip of drugs on our youth. It was my responsibility to express my thoughts on this problem. This youthful film will give hope to our youngsters by starting a vigorous social discussion. The privilege of working on this project with BIG pictures was made possible only through the energetic efforts of Initiative Films."

'Chak Jawana' is produced by Initiative Films in association with BIG Pictures.

Though this is not the first time BIG Pictures has touched the hearts of the audiences worldwide, their very first release in September 2008 'Mera Pind - My Home' starring Harbhajan Mann was a perfect recipe for an entertainment with a perfect mix of emotions, drama and comedy. The film is the biggest grossing Punjabi film in India and Overseas. The film released overseas across UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. BIG Pictures collaborated with the veteran director Manmohan Singh.

[Aman Loonaa is a journalist based in Chandigarh.]