Punjabi Cinema is experimenting new concepts, depicting an era without electricity

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

August 23, 2017 - 7:37 PM IST

When we imagine an era of 1960s, when India just gained independence and was in vicinity of two wars we wonder what would be the situation back then internally in a country trying to resurrect after the scars of Partition.

Punjabi Cinema is experimenting new concepts, depicting an era without electricity

Punjabi Cinema Industry, renowned for its creative genre and storyline, is coming up with one such film - Laatu (Bulb). The film will depict an era when there was a dearth of electricity in most villages and how things like electricity (which is now a common phenomenon) was a pre-requisite for anything or was like the status symbol for a person back then. It is the story of a boy who wants electricity at his home in order to gain status in the society and also to fulfil the pre-requisite of a matrimonial alliance. But things don’t go planned. Yet despite obstacles and difficult scenarios, he eventually manages to fulfill his wish and get electricity through legal means.

Laatu will be produced by Sumeet Singh, CEO of Saga Music in collaboration with Seven Colors Entertainment and Jagmeet Grewal, CEO of Farid Entertainment. When asked about it, Sumeet Singh said, “This will be a debut film for the director as well as the lead actor which will be a chance for both to prove their mettle, add edge to the movie and do justice with the script on silver screen.” Further, Jagmeet Grewal added, “I am elated to work with such an experienced producer and talented crew”

This film will mark the directorial debut of Manav Shah who has worked as assistant and associate director in films like Dharti, Taur Mitraan Di, Tu mera 22 Me tera 22, Singh vs Kaur among others. Speaking about his directorial debut, Shah said “This film is a challenging opportunity provided to me by Saga Music and Seven Colors Entertainment to use all knowledge efficiently as I gained while assisting erstwhile directors.”

Renowned Punjabi Singer Gagan Kokri who earlier featured in various songs such as ‘Dileriaan’, ‘Berukhiyaan’, ‘Silent Tears’, ‘Malaiyaan’ and so on will mark his debut as a protagonist in the movie. While we have often seen him act in short music videos, this time around we will get to see him on the silver screen. On being casted in the film, Gagan Kokri said “I am elated to debut as a protagonist as well as to work with Saga Music and Seven Colors Entertainment who released my first few songs and have a sheer acumen of professionalism.”

Music director Jatinder Shah, who had earlier provided remarkable music composition to Punjabi films, screenplay and creative producer Dheeraj Rattan who is known for his contribution in movies like Jatt & Juliet, Singh vs Kaur, Tu mera 22 me tera 22 among other blockbusters in Punjabi cinema will be a part of this film along with dialogue writer Surmeet Maavi who wrote exceptional films like Saadey CM Saab and Punjab 1984.
The shoot of Laatu is expected to commence soon and the release of the same has been scheduled for next year. Although the film will feature grave situation of lack of electricity and its consequences in our society, it will be treated with elements of humour. As of now, government has taken the situation quite pro-actively and is on a mission as it has committed to provide electricity to each house by 2018.