Though the last few major hits in Punjabi Cinema, still remain light-hearted family comedies showing no change in the taste of viewers and their set choice of (limited) genres. Still regular efforts are being made exploring new subjects or genres in Punjabi movies and JORA 10 NUMBARIA is one of those fearless, distinctive projects willing to bring that much awaited change in Punjabi viewership and its developing cinema.
No doubt, the film has a jaded premise of a gangster-turned-politician, already exploited to death in our Hindi movies. But it has certain unique features in its conceptualization and making that doesn’t allow you to ignore or underestimate it as just another Punjabi film trying to reach the level of a Hindi mainstream venture.
Here are its 7 exclusive features that would force you to take it seriously giving your utmost attention and time visiting the nearby theater.
1. Defying the blind norm followed in Punjabi film industry, JORA 10 NUMBARIA doesn’t feature a singer-turned-actor in its lead role and presents Deep Sidhu as JORA, who chose acting as his career post spending a few years in the world of modeling and as a practicing lawyer too working with reputed firms. Apart from Sidhu, it has many reputed names from Punjabi cinema in its cast ensemble as Sardar Sohi, Hobby Dhaliwal, Mahabir Bhuller, Yaad Grewal, Kul Sidhu and more.
2. Giving his heartiest wishes as an elder brother, JORA 10 NUMBARIA was launched in 2016 with a teaser promo that had a voice over of none other than Sunny Deol. Interestingly the debut film of Deep Sidhu titled RAMTA JOGI was also produced by Vijayta Films (of Deols) in 2015.
3. Dharmendra, the renowned veteran actor of Hindi Cinema makes a come-back in Punjabi films with JORA 10 NUMBARIA after a long gap. And reportedly he has a significant role as a GODFATHER in the film, that makes me recall another of his lesser talked about but terrific appearance in the rarely discussed J.P. Dutta’s classic HATHYAR (1989). Besides, it also features a few known names from Hindi cinema as Mukesh Tiwari, Mukul Dev and Ashish Duggal.
4. The film marks the debut of writer-director Amardeep Singh Gill, one of the most reputed lyricists of Punjabi music industry, who has earlier directed two meaningful short films based on important short stories adapted from the rich Punjabi literature widely appreciated in India as well as abroad. For friends who might not be aware, Gill is the man behind many cult Punjabi songs like “Eh Jo Silli Silli Aaundi Ae Hawa” sung by Hans Raj Hans.
5. Post IRADA - an unknown but important Hindi film released in early 2017, JORA 10 NUMBARIA also incorporates Bathinda city of Punjab as an important character in the film as per the requirement of its theme. The familiar environment, regional language and locations become an integral part of the script that is supposedly based upon real life inspired characters and incidents that Gill had in mind since years before getting conceived as a full length feature film.
6. Thankfully its original soundtrack also has same rare qualities deserving a special mention. Its title song has been (ironically) sung by one of the top most singer-turned-actors of the industry Gippy Grewal with music by Sunny Bawra & Inder Bawra & lyrics by Amardeep Singh Gill.
The best track ‘Mulakaat’ has been written by one of the most reputed names of Punjabi literature Padamshri Surjit Patar and sung by Shazia Manzoor from Pakistan with music by Sachin Ahuja. And after a long time, we have a well-composed Punjabi qawwali in its soundtrack too as ‘Shagan”, sung by Sardaar Ali & Hassan Ali with music by Sachin Ahuja and lyrics by Manpreet Tiwana.
7. Lastly but most importantly, just like this year’s highly appreciated Malayalam film ANGAMALY DIARIES that had more than 80 new faces (debuts) playing the key roles, JORA 10 NUMBARIA also gives the much awaited break to more than 40 fresh artists, who either had only stage exposure or no experience at all in the field of acting.
In fact, one of the young actors who came for the auditions expecting any kind of role or work in the film-crew was finally selected for a crucial role in the film and has reportedly done an outstanding work surprising the entire team and the director himself. (Would not reveal who exactly is the one doing what kind of role, as it would be fun taking a guess watching all the debut artists in the writer-director’s debut film.)
In the end, keeping in the mind the questionable exhibition and distribution system in our country, JORA 10 NUMBARIA might find it tough getting adequate screens and shows (out of Punjab) due to its fresh star-cast and competition from the new Hindi film releases. But hope it turns out to be an exceptional must watch film making a major breakthrough, bringing the much desired change in the Punjabi film industry and its rigid mindset.
Who knows this might surprise all becoming the ANGAMALY DIARIES of our
Punjabi cinema!
Cheers!
(The article also got featured in UC-News mobile app in August 2017)
