We recently had the pleasure of hosting a deeply insightful and entertaining episode of our podcast, The Supreet Singh Show, featuring the renowned Punjabi film producer, director, and writer Gabbar Sangrur. As one of the most dynamic voices in the industry today, Gabbar brought a wealth of experience and unfiltered honesty to our conversation.
An alumnus of the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, Gabbar shared his inspiring journey into the world of cinema, starting with how he overcame stereotypical family mindsets to pursue his passion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of the Punjabi film industry, highlighting critical issues such as how films are categorized as hits or flops and the various challenges faced during production.
He drew comparisons between the Punjabi and South Indian film industries, emphasizing the grandeur and success of the South due to their attention to detail, scripting, and production quality. We also discussed the dominance of comedy in Punjabi cinema and the urgent need to explore deeper, more serious narratives. A significant part of the podcast touched on the darker sides of the industry, including gangland culture, political interference, and the increasing importance of PR in the success of movies and music. We also discussed the pros and cons of releasing films in cinemas versus OTT platforms, with Gabbar highlighting the irreplaceable magic of theatres while acknowledging the reach of digital platforms.
He shared insights about his first film ‘Chitta Punjab’, which dealt with themes of gangsters and drugs, and reflected real societal issues. He candidly spoke about the operational hurdles in the industry, such as the dual roles of actors who are also singers with conflicting schedules, and the tedious process of acquiring permissions and grants in Punjab. With early career experience in Hollywood, he offered valuable comparisons between Hollywood’s organized professionalism and Pollywood’s ongoing struggles. He also simplified the concept of line production and emphasized the importance of dubbing Punjabi films for wider reach.
He has worked on major projects like ‘Sam Bahadur’ with Vicky Kaushal, ‘White Punjab’, and ‘Jalwayu Enclave’. The podcast concluded with a powerful discussion on the types of stories the Punjabi industry should focus on, moving beyond humor to tackle culture, identity, and social issues. All in all, it was a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking session with Gabbar Sangrur that shed light on both the promise and the problems within Punjabi cinema.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers, cinema lovers, and anyone curious about the real stories behind the screen. As one of the top podcasters in India, Supreet Singh continues to bring raw, real, and relevant conversations to the forefront.
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