Chandigarh: Punjabi actor and producer Neeru Bajwa has announced that screenings of her film Thapi will be suspended in India and overseas from October 19 until further notice, citing the prevailing situation in Punjab.
Bajwa shared the decision in a social media post, saying that the state, its people and its culture take precedence over the film’s theatrical run. She added that she and the team had decided against continuing screenings in view of the current circumstances.
“Nothing is bigger than Punjab for us,” the actor said, underlining the team’s commitment to the state and its people.
The announcement means that audiences will no longer be able to watch Thapi in cinemas from October 19, with no new screening date announced so far.
Why has Neeru Bajwa suspended ‘Thapi’ screenings?
Explaining the decision, Bajwa said the film was made with the intention of bringing excitement back to Punjab’s fields and entertaining audiences. However, the team felt that continuing its theatrical run would not be appropriate given the situation in the state.
She stressed that cinema is meant to entertain people, but it cannot take priority over public sentiments or the circumstances affecting Punjab.
The actor also said that the peace, happiness and safety of Punjab and its people remained the team’s priority. The decision to put screenings on hold reflects the position she and her team have taken in response to the prevailing situation.
Bajwa’s announcement applies to screenings both in India and abroad, rather than being limited to theatres in Punjab.
‘We will always stand with Punjab,’ says Neeru Bajwa
Reaffirming her support for the state, Bajwa said she and her team would continue to stand with Punjab until the situation improved.
“We were with Punjab earlier, we are with Punjab today and we will always be with Punjab in the future,” she said.
Her message focused on solidarity with the people of Punjab, with the actor making it clear that the film’s release and entertainment value would not take precedence over the wider situation.
When will ‘Thapi’ return to cinemas?
There is currently no confirmed date for the resumption of Thapi screenings. According to the announcement, the film will remain off cinema screens in India and abroad from October 19 until further notice.
A decision on bringing it back to theatres will be taken after the situation improves. Until then, the film’s theatrical run remains suspended.
Bajwa’s announcement places the focus on the circumstances in Punjab rather than the film’s box-office performance. For now, the actor and her team have indicated that they will wait for conditions to improve before deciding on the next step.
