Underrated Punjabi movies you must watch: Stories rooted in reality

Underrated Punjabi Movies: Punjabi cinema is widely known for its lively music and feel-good comedies, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Beyond the mainstream, there exists a powerful set of films that are emotional, thought-provoking, and deeply meaningful yet often overlooked. These underrated Punjabi movies dive into themes like migration, identity, cultural roots, and human resilience, telling stories that don’t just entertain but stay with you long after the film ends.

Uda Aida (2019)

Uda Aida tells the story of a simple village couple who dream of giving their son the best education. They try to get him admitted into an expensive English-medium school in the city. As they struggle with high fees and social pressure, the film highlights how families often feel forced to leave behind their language and culture in the pursuit of “modern” success.

Chhalla Mud Ke Nahi Aaya

Set in the early 1900s, the film follows a young Punjabi man who leaves his village to build a better life in Canada. However, instead of success, he faces harsh labor, racism, loneliness, and constant emotional pain. The story reflects the real experiences of early Punjabi immigrants and their fight to survive in a foreign land.

Guru Nanak Jahaz

This film is based on the historical Komagata Maru incident of 1914. It follows 376 Punjabi immigrants who sail to Canada hoping for a better future but are denied entry due to discriminatory laws. Upon returning to India, they face violence and injustice. The film is a powerful portrayal of courage, resistance, and a forgotten chapter of history.

Es Jahano Door Kitte Chal Jindiye

The story begins during the 1980s in Punjab and follows multiple characters who migrate to the UK for a better life. Each character faces different struggles illegal immigration, loneliness, broken relationships, and cultural disconnect. The film shows the emotional reality of living far away from home and family.

What makes these films underrated?

Even though these films tell powerful stories, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Here’s why:

1. Meaningful storytelling over entertainment: Most Punjabi films that become popular are light, funny, and easy to watch. These films, however, deal with serious topics like migration, identity, and history, which may not appeal to everyone looking for casual entertainment.
2. Showcases harsh side of reality: Films like Chhalla Mud KeNahiAaya and EsJahano Door KitteChalJindiye don’t glamorize life abroad. Instead, they show struggle, loneliness, and sacrifice truths that are powerful but emotionally heavy.
3. Less commercial promotion: Many of these movies don’t have big marketing campaigns or star-driven hype, which limits their reach among wider audiences.
4. Challenges common mindsets: Movies like Uda Aida question social norms such as the obsession with English education or western lifestyle which may not always align with popular trends.
5. Emotionally intense: These films make viewers think deeply and feel strongly. While that’s their strength, it also makes them less “repeat-watch” or casual viewing options.

So, if you have not watched these films yet, then this weekend grab your popcorn and enjoy these films along with it!

- PTC PUNJABI