The Punjabi film industry has delivered hits like “Jatt and Juliet,” “Carry on Jatta,” and “Honsla Rakh.” These gems are widely enjoyed and admired throughout India. This regional industry is gradually infiltrating mainstream cinema, with several Punjabi actors recently outshining their Bollywood counterparts. Some movies have even surpassed expectations, making them the best Punjabi movies of 2023. The year is still unfolding, promising more greatness!
Also read: 10 Best Punjabi Movies of All Time That are Worth Watching
Actors like Diljeet Dosanjh, Sonam Bajwa, Shenaj Gill, Jassi Gill, Gippy Grewal, Neeru Bajwa, and many others have opened doors for newcomers to shine on a grander scale. Not just actors, but the rising popularity of Punjabi music has seen rappers and singers from Punjab, including Badshah, Honey Singh, and Hardy Sandhu, proving their worth. Diljit Dosanjh’s performance at Coachella 2023 exemplifies Punjab’s expanding influence. With that said, let’s explore the best Punjabi movies of 2023 thus far!
1. Saunh Mitti Di
It is a social drama movie that shows the story of Jarnail Singh, an educated farmer who raises questions about the three infamous framing laws and how they negatively impact the farmers of local Indian villages. The movie has got a good 8.3 IMDb rating and positive reviews from the audience as well as critics. For a movie that raises awareness around farming laws, this movie is really impactful and nice. It is directed by Bhupinder Singh Bambrah and stars Kirandeep Rayat in the lead role of Jarnail Singh.
2. Jodi
It is a musical drama that shows the story of two musicians who are also lovers and their blossoming careers as well as relationship is shadowed by clouds of mystery and uncertainty. This movie set in the 1980s Punjab is about discovering the Punjab folk music scene and the popularity surrounding it. The movie is said to be inspired by the events that happened in the lives of the popular Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife Amarjyot Kaur- both were murdered while they were going to perform one of their concerts. It is one of the best Punjabi movies of 2023 that stars fine actors like Diljit Dosanjh and Nimrat Khaira in the lead roles.
3. Tu Hovein Main Hovan
A family drama romance movie, Tu Hovein Main Hovan shows the journey of two couples- one who is falling in love, and another who is on the verge of divorce. What is their future? The movie shows their journey and the results. It is a beautiful story that shows the difficulties as well as the love-filled moments that every couple has in their relationship. The movie has a number of fine actors including Sajjan Adeeb, Delbar Arya, Dinesh Arya, Kulraj Randhawa, and Jimmy Shergill playing important roles.
4. Kaali Jotta
This crime drama romance movie is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and stars big names in the Punjabi industry like Satinder Sartaaj, Ankur Verma, and Neeru Bajwa. It shows the story and struggles of a woman named Rabia and her student Anant. The movie shows society raising questions about the student-teacher relationship and the politics surrounding gender performativity in India. This movie leaves people wondering how they have also seen or faced these societal norms that often stop people from growing.
5. Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran
It is a pure rib-tickling comedy-drama movie that stars Miss Universe 2021- Harnaaz Sandhu alongside actors such as Upasana Singh, Nanak Sing, and Swati Sharma in prominent roles. Upasana Singh- the popular Punjabi actress who has acted in several Bollywood movies and shows and also acted in The Kapil Sharma Show- is the director and writer of the movie. It shows the story of youngsters living in the heart of Punjab and their complicated college life including love, friendship, career, enmity, and family drama!
6. Lehmberginni
This rom-com movie shows the love story of a careless man named Lehmber whose father sends him to London in hopes of improving him. However, Lehmber falls in love with Ginni in London but does not mend his ways. He only comes to realize his mistakes when Ginni leaves him for good. It is a nice light-hearted watch that stars Mahira Sharma and Tahir Ashraf in lead roles.
7. Carry on Jatta 3
Action comedy-drama that shows Jass, the son of Advt. Dhillion falling in love with a girl Meet. But, coincidentally, Advt. Dhillion has a fallout with Meet’s brothers and upon knowing the truth about Meet- rejects her as the prospective wife of Jass. Desperate to get things to improve, Jass makes a mad plan to bring everyone together. The movie is filled with romance, family drama, and a lot of comedy of errors. The movie follows the successful legacy of the Carry on Jatta franchise and makes you laugh hard. It stars Gippy Grewal, Sonam Bajwa, and Binnu Dhillon in important roles.
8. Nidarr
It is an action-adventure movie that is about the story of a father-son duo who are brave enough to put their lives on the line to save their country. It shows a story where the father sends his son on a suicidal mission and also takes up his own side risks- all to fight against the enemies of our country. The movie received a lot of praise from the viewers upon its release and has also ranked 7.8/10 on IMDb. If you are up for a high-on-action Punjabi movie- this is a must-watch!
9. Mere Baba Nanak
A family drama movie- this one is for those who want to restore their faith in God and religion. The movie shows that those who have undying faith in God and the ultimate power of positivity- Guru Nanak Dev- can overcome all obstacles in life. A beautiful tale of faith- this is a family movie and one that can make you emotional. It is written and directed by Amanjeet Singh and also features Amanmeet Singh, Vikramjeet Virk, and Harashjot Kaur in prominent roles.
10. Medal
It is a sports action drama that tells the story of a young athlete who is brimming with optimism- and dreams of winning gold one day. However, a long list of tragedies always comes in between him and the gold medal. The final nail in the coffin was an accident that left him with the issue of loss of hearing. Even after being admitted to an athlete academy- he is betrayed- what will he do now? The movie is filled with a lot of action. This movie will keep you hooked till the end.
Tell us which of the above 10 best Punjabi movies of 2023 so far have you watched and which have you marked on your calendar to watch this weekend? Let us know in the comments!
Also Read: 10 Best Punjabi Movies Of All Time That Are Worth Watching