CHANDIGARH: The Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan met the cast and crew of the Punjabi film “The Great Punjab Robbery” at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat today. After viewing the film, the Speaker highly lauded its story, core message, and its constructive depiction of the state of Punjab.
The visiting delegation included prominent film personalities Mr. Raj Kundra, Mrs. Payal Rajput, Mr. Paramveer Singh, film director Mr. Saurav Verma, and Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Chadha. During the interaction, the Speaker and the film crew held extensive discussions and exchanged valuable inputs regarding the promotion of Punjab, Punjabiyat (Punjabi culture), regional cinema, and state tourism.
The film team submitted key proposals to the Speaker included Establishing a dedicated branch of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Punjab to resolve the censorship challenges and delays filmmakers currently face in Mumbai and Delhi.
Developing a modern film city in Punjab with state government backing to generate employment and give a major infrastructural boost to Punjabi cinema. Providing government incentives and institutional support for high-quality Punjabi films to compete at prestigious international platforms like the Cannes Film Festival. Encouraging projects that highlight Punjab’s rich heritage, ethics, and values rather than negative stereotypes, thereby instilling strong moral values in the younger generation (Gen-Z).
Responding to the proposals, the Speaker stated that Punjabi cinema serves as a powerful tool to showcase the state’s vibrant culture and tourism to a global audience. He emphasized that films with positive narratives guide society in the right direction and reinforce Punjab’s proud identity.
Furthermore, the Speaker commended Raj Kundra for embracing a new identity by wearing a turban, noting that the turban represents the ultimate glory, respect, and cultural heritage of Punjab. He expressed confidence that this gesture would send a meaningful message of cultural harmony and mutual respect across society.
