Gippy Grewal's 'Akaal': A Bold Step in Punjabi Cinema

Gippy Grewal's Vision for Punjabi Cinema

Actor and director Gippy Grewal has consistently sought to expand the horizons of Punjabi cinema by exploring various genres, and his upcoming film 'Akaal' exemplifies this ambition.

Reflecting on his career, Grewal noted that the success of his 2011 comedy 'Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya' led to a surge in similar comedic films like 'Carry on Jatta' and 'Jaat & Juilet'. Recognizing the industry's need for varied narratives, he ventured into drama with 'Ardaas', followed by the action-packed 'Warning'. He observed that the industry had become synonymous with comedy, with many believing it was the safest genre, resulting in a flood of comedy films. Despite skepticism surrounding 'Ardaas', it achieved notable success.

Following this, Grewal produced 'Warning' and 'Saukan Saunkane', which centers on the lives of two women, both of which performed well at the box office. He emphasized that diverse genres can thrive commercially, proving that quality storytelling resonates with audiences.

In 'Akaal', Grewal not only stars but also takes on writing and directing duties. The film narrates the tale of Sardar Akaal Singh (played by Grewal) and his village's struggle against the vengeful Jangi Jahan (Nikitin Dheer) following Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's demise. Known for his roles in films like 'Carry On Jatta' and 'Singh vs Kaur', Grewal believes that stories of valor deserve to be told on screen.

He expressed, 'This is the perfect moment to share this narrative, as it inspires us... The film showcases the warriors and the historical context of that era. We are confident that audiences will appreciate it. While the story focuses on Sikhs, it does not disparage any other communities or faiths.'

Grewal faced significant challenges in perfecting the screenplay for 'Akaal'. Initially, the script was heavily reliant on visual effects, prompting him to revise it to better connect with Punjabi viewers. 'I had to simplify the story and screenplay to make it more relatable,' he explained. The filmmaker, who has previously directed 'Ardaas', 'Ardaas Karaan', and 'Shava Ni Girdhari Lal', expressed his gratitude to Karan Johar for supporting this period drama, which is set to premiere on April 10.

'We delayed this project due to budget constraints, but now we feel the timing is right. Punjabi cinema has evolved, gaining recognition and appreciation, which will enhance the film's reach. With Dharma Productions involved, our film has gained even more prominence,' he added.

'Akaal' marks Grewal's first venture as a filmmaker in Bollywood, although he has acted in films like 'Second Hand Husband' and 'Lucknow Central'. He acknowledged that he did not achieve significant success in Hindi cinema as an actor.

'Today, the choices you make are often scrutinized more than your performances, with actors being ranked based on their films' box-office success. We are producing quality work in Punjabi cinema, and our box office results reflect that. However, 'Akaal' has gained traction because it bridges Punjabi and Hindi cinema, allowing it to reach a broader audience, which is a source of pride for us,' he remarked.

Nimrat Khaira, who plays the female lead, shared her experience of rigorous training in sword fighting and horse riding for the role. 'Initially, I struggled with the sword, thinking, 'How will I manage this?' But with the support of the action team, I found it easier. The production team took necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety during filming,' said Khaira, known for her roles in 'Lahoriye' and 'Saunkan Saunkne'.