I was curious to watch this movie the day I saw its trailer and finally got a chance today. 1984-86 was a very sensitive period for the people of Punjab as the state was going through the situation of insurgency due to terrorism. The movie is based on its impact on the people of Punjab, particularly on a mother and her son. Starring Kiron Kher, Diljit Dosanjh, Pawan Malhotra and Sonam Bajwa in lead roles, the film has set a new benchmark in the Punjabi Film Industry.

The story is about a mother, Satwant Kaur who is separated from her son, Shivjeet Singh Mann due to some unavoidable circumstances. Now there was a very interesting fact I noticed in the movie about the Protagonist. In the first half, the mother is shown struggling as she loses her husband and then is separated from her son. Her relentless effort to meet her son brings out her strong and stubborn character (As prompted by her son as well). So Satwant Kaur was undoubtedly the protagonist till the interval. But in the second half, Shiv emerges out as a hero who wants revenge for his father’s death and wants back his land. In the process, he loses his childhood friend and his lady love. Clearly we can give the protagonist’s tag to this young man. The Director, Anurag Singh, has very cleverly shared the protagonist’s space between the mother and her son.

Moving ahead, the cinematographic techniques are also commendable. Many of the shots are framed in order to deliver an explicit effect to the audience. I would like to share few of my favourites.

This scene is between Satwant Kaur and Jeeti (Shiv’s lover) who is curious to know if there is any news about Shiv who has gone missing for long time. With that hope she enters Shiv’s house. The wide shot with the characters in the background and a small light source in foreground (out of focus) symbolizes Jeeti’s hope to hear some good news about Shiv.

This is another shot taken from high angle. It clearly describes how exhausted Satwant has been, searching for his son and the path ahead is unknown and difficult to climb as the stairs are shown in this shot.

Now here, look at this interrogation scene. It is painted in a way to give a negetive vibe. Most of the areas are made dark to give a feel that the baddie policeman, Deep Singh Rana is about to do something wrong.

But at the same time, in the very next shot (over the shoulder shot) Shiv is seen staring back at Rana. The shot is taken at eye-level to show that Shiv is not at all scared and is ready to face anything or anyone.

Another beautifully captured shot is this one in which constable Jagtar Singh Taari visit Satvant Kaur (Shiv’s mother) at night to tell her what actually had happend to Shiv. This long shot is taken to visually show the moral differences between the two characters. Taari had always supported Rana in his wrong deeds and had no sympathy towards Satwant till then. On the other hand, Satvant Kaur has always been good in her acts.

The Director Anurag Singh, who has also written the story and screenplay, has  highlighted small aspects of the movie in a remarkable manner. Kirron kher as the mother given almost a perfect ten. You will feel connected to her relationship with his son Shiv played by Diljit Dosanjh, And last but not the least, Pawan Malhotra, the antagonist has lived up to the expectations of playing the bad-ass cop.

Overall, Punjab 1984 is a brilliant attempt as a periodic drama movie which has definitely lifted the standard of Punjabi Movies. I strongly suggest to add it to your watch-list.