Two Panjabi Movies Inspired by Real Life Incidents Await Release

July

2026

After being stuck for four years with India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the movie ‘Satluj’ was briefly released on subscription video-on-demand on 3 Jul, but two movies from Panjab are still awaiting release. The movie 'Chardikala' is a biographical retelling of the life of Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa and was due for release in India on 29 May. However, it has still not been released in India but has been released internationally. In early May, the movie premiered at Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film Market. The movie's narrative revolves around a devoted mother working in Delhi as a nurse. Following the 1984 assassination of former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi by her husband Beant Singh, Bimal’s world collapses. She is subjected to harsh interrogations, social stigma, and isolation. By focusing on a mother’s struggle to raise her children under the crushing weight of systemic harassment, the movie touches on themes of maternal love and endurance. The movie is produced by Pinky Dhaliwal and Gurkaran Singh Dhaliwal of the production company Mad 4 Films. It is directed and written by Amarjit Singh Saron. Actors Roopi Gill, Ammy Virk, and Himmat Sandhu feature in the movie. The real Bibi Bimal Kaur was elected Member of Parliament (MP) in 1989 from Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar). She died on 2 Sep 1991 under mysterious circumstances. Police say her death was by electrocution but her family and relatives claim the police picked her up and poisoned her with cyanide. Her son, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa is a current MP from Panjab. Another movie 'Dastaar' scheduled to release on 17 Jul, has also not yet received the certificate by the CBFC. Set in 1980s UK, the movie tells the story of a Sikh immigrant whose life is upended by a brutal racist attack. He rises as a community leader turning his dastaar (turban) into a symbol of hope and resilience. The movie reflects the hardships, prejudice, and discrimination faced by early Sikh families who moved to the UK and fought to protect their faith, identity, and dignity. The movie is produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Singh Sidhu under the banner of White Hill Studios. It is directed by Amar Hundal. It features Tarsem Jassar and Yograj Singh in key roles (earlier coverage).