Punjabi films adopt trendy titles, cater to wider international audience

Having gathered viewership with engaging storylines, Punjabi cinema is now shifting focus to movie titles. The industry is adopting global trends to give catchy titles to expand viewers’ curiosity. “Prior to the trailer or first look, it’s the movie title which is announced. So, it has to transcend traditional boundaries,” says director Harry Bhatti, the maker of Rabb Da Radio, Sardar Mohammad etc.
Some under-production film titles like, Titanic, Jordan, Banjara- The Truck Driver, Fire, Television hint at a global appeal, while some filmmakers are working at registering titles like Daring, and Enigma- The Mystery. “Punjabi cinema has an international appeal. So, the titles must be in sync with the international standards,” says Vikram Thori, who directed Rocky Mental and is now doing Jordan. He adds, “With movies being dubbed in different languages, a title with a universal flavour, will remain the same.” Southern films like Baahubali and Vishwaroopam, are few examples, which were dubbed in other regional languages, but the title remained unchanged. Thori’s film Rocky Mental, starring Parmish Verma is releasing in Hindi soon, with the same title.
Besides, “It also increases the recall value of a film,” says Bhatti, adding, “Generating curiosity is important. Nowadays, people choose the film through its title. Among other things, the title is a first contact point with audiences.”
Another film title that caught attention is Titanic. While speculation was rife that it’s a Punjabi take on Hollywood’s Titanic, the makers suggest that the title was chosen to add for intrigue value. Lead actor Raj Singh Jhinger (seen in Harjeeta) says, “I loved the title. It goes very well with the theme of the film. Doing new and extraordinary things has become a forte of Punjabi cinema.” Film’s associate director Karampreet Singh Samra says, “Our Punjabi Titanic is about changing conditions in India. Having a different title, helps in reaching audiences faster. We are already flooded with comments and queries from people about the title.”
Mushtaq Pasha, who is making Banjara- The Truck Driver, feels every day is a new day in Punjabi cinema. “Titles must be strong and simple. Since our film is largely shot abroad, we gave an international twist to the title. Moreover, modern audiences look for diversity, in subject, actor lineup or movie title,” says Pasha.
Director Taj, who is making Television, says in titles, as in other things, simplicity always works. “The film has TV as its base. It’s a story on the days when TV had started. Punjabi cinema is flexible when it comes to dealing with a subject or deciding on a title. Keeping it simple is the key.”