punjab 1984 movie review

Punjab 1984 (2014)

• User Reviews

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews

• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

• Australia/Pacific
• Inspiration
• Biographies

I stepped into that theatre not entirely knowing what to expect, but not expecting something like Sadda Haq (which I thought was really well done). And then the movie started and I was taken aback by the realness of the images before me, by the humanness of the families being portrayed and by the storyline that was developing. It drew feeling out of you.

Just to get you up to speed, Shivjit Singh (Diljit) is a kharku singh who is moved to join the Khalistan freedom movement after his father is killed in the 1984 attack on Darbar Sahib—his death justified by Punjab police with a baseless allegation that he was a terrorist—and he himself is tortured in police interrogation.

Experiencing firsthand the brutality of the Punjab Police and injustice within India’s judicial system, he takes up armed resistance against the state. Were I to have walked out of the theatre before the end of the first half, I would have had trouble writing a coherent review encouraging you to watch it because I was truly moved by the humanness of the story that was being depicted.

But then comes the second half. For those who have seen it already and those who are going to see it, you may have different reactions to this portion. The second half of the film is largely dedicated to portraying the film’s perception of the actions of Sikh Freedom Fighters. Emphasis on the word ‘perception’.

The first major depiction is of Shivjit Singh placing explosives on a bus full of innocent people, which his “higher-ups” demanded of him.

The next was imagery of kharkus (freedom fighters) lining up innocent Hindus, even those who were Khalistani sympathizers, and shooting them with as much discrimination as the Punjab police. After that came the killing of a rehatvaan (spiritually disciplined) kharku singh by corrupted “kharku singhs”. Suddenly I was no longer teary-eyed and emotional over the film, but aware that I needed to analyze the content with a sobered sense of detachment.

You can question what the purpose in these portrayals was. Perhaps, in the filmmaker’s eyes, it was to reflect the human reality of those placed on all spectrums of the Punjab struggle. Perhaps it was to appease those in Punjab who have an interest in preventing outright sympathy with the Khalistan movement. Perhaps it was the film’s attempt to make everyone happy. The practical implication, however, was that most Khalistani freedom fighters are self-interested, manipulative and corrupted.

The implication of this portrayal of the Khalistan movement was that if you are not the type of person to critically analyze the media that you are viewing, or do not have a solid base of knowledge on 1984 and the freedom movement to begin with, or were simply drawn into the emotional roller coaster that the film was attempting to take you on, you would leave with the perception that the struggle for Khalistan was obsolete because the only kharku who can remain true to his cause is a fictionalized, idealized character played by Diljit.

The practical implication, however, was that most Khalistani freedom fighters are self-interested, manipulative and corrupted.

This is where it should start concerning you that one of the main characters who you can sympathize with and believe in throughout is a famous, well-known celebrity. Celebrities are different than real people, right? Only someone so plainly exceptional could have come out of the movement so morally unscathed, right?

By no means am I saying that every individual involved in the Khalistan movement was a reflection of Sikh values. That is the humanness of any freedom struggle. Humans don’t come pre-labelled as good or bad—it is a spectrum. But for this film to portray the steadfast and morally true kharkus as the rare minority was backwards and harmful. It is not a reflection of the ideological roots of the Khalistan movement and serves to undermine the validity of that struggle. The factual reality is that most of the moral issues and killings of innocents portrayed in the movie was done by the government and its undercover operatives—not freedom fighters.

This film did little justice to the ideology of the Khalistan movement. No doubt, it left you feeling emotional and charged up, but I question whether the emotional build-up was actually a good thing. Without proper context established for 1984 and without proper explanation for the purpose of Khalistan—other than what you can infer through emotion—the audience is left with dangerous gaps. Yes, it’s important to feel and to experience through emotion, but hasn’t our community been doing that for long enough? What we are missing is dialogue and critical analysis. To charge up an audience and leave them ultimately feeling disillusioned to everyone in this film but an idealized celebrity figure is wrong in my opinion.

I would not encourage someone with no background information about the Khalistan movement to watch this film and accept it as even a remotely accurate portrayal of Khalistani freedom fighters or the ideology of the Khalistan movement. I think the primary benefit in viewing this film, however, is for the purpose of analysis and critical discussion. If you watch the film, take out the time to really analyze the content that’s being presented to you. It’s easy to see through the lens of emotion and lose sight of the problematic content being represented, especially from a film that was widely advertised in Gurdwaras worldwide.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

SGPC Continues to Deny Historic Importance of Old Structure Found at Darbar Sahib

Maryada violated on arrival of Uttarakhand Chief Minister at Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib

Sarbat Khalsa appointed acting-Jathedar summons Cong Ministers, MLAs for Clarification for injustice in Sacrilege Issue

13 comments.

If you lived through the 1980’s Punjab then there is no doubt you were affected by what happened during those years. Your perceptions to any particular event will depend on which side of the fence you were on… whether kharkus or their sympathizers, moderate Sikhs, Hindus or others. In the end, everyone lost something. Some lost their loved ones, and others lost the faith… in others or even in the system.

Go watch the movie yourself. Don’t form your opinion based on someone’s review. Remember, any review you read could be affected by the reviewer’s own experiences during those years. Watch the film.

I don’t think we have to check all the details because most of the movies are based on real incidents but not showing all the aspects because movies are for entertainment. I don’t think any movie can show all the pain which peoples had, so when we are going to watch any movie we just have to review movie not incidents which were happened in past and for reviewer I wanted to say one thing “You was their to review movie not past moments”.

Dear Jasmin, you started off saying that you watched this film without any expectations, but, right in the middle your honest mind speaks up and you reveal your expectations from this movie quite ironically. This movie has very precisely sent a message that no movement, no religion is greater than a human life itself. An attempt to create a land-locked country supported by a wily neighbor only resulted in wiping out of one complete generation of Sikh youths. The Bhoolpurias (likes of Badal, Tohra, Longowal etc.) are still playing with the lives of Sikh youths to achieve their political ambitions and innocent lives pay hefty price for their schemes. This is what this movie is all about!

Bai ji main cinima hall wich hi baitha mera tan parda paran nu dil krda

I watched the film. A lot of bad things happened to a lot of good sikhs and Hindus. The government messed up big time.

I get a feeling that money is being made by making such films. At the same time it does present the reality. There was no real leadership and organised / controlled/disciplined action. In the movie lot of drama is added to make it more commercial but it does does raise the issue and makes it to increasing number of such movies. we should always promote such movies

Dear writer Jasmin, it was already mentioned, it wasn’tt based on any political angel or neither it was related to anyone’s personal agenda, still if you found critics, hats off to you. Spread peace not critics.

What the film has done is shown the reality I am a Sikh but I can not condone the killings of innocent people by the kharkus. In a school in Jalandhar district, Hindu teachers were shot in the presence of a person I know personally. He was traumatized. I also know someone whose father was shot with other passengers from a bus going to Chandigarh from Mukatsar. What the movie has shown did happen

The real khalistani fighters in the movie are in fact differentiated from the corrupt ones.. For eg the killings of Hindus shown in the film were by the people in disguise of kharku’s who were sent by the politicians. In this case the movie portrays that the youth of Punjab took up guns because they were being tortured by the police on the orders of Delhi and local politicians. The practical implication of this movie is that common people suffer because of politicians and police that are slaves of those politicians.This movie in no way criticizes khalistani fighters.. And the emotional charging up is natural for every human being .

There should have been some mention of Anandpur Sahib Resolution or practice of attacking darbar sahib which started 2 years before on its model or that attack on Darbar sahib was done immediately after there was a warning to stop supply of foodgrains from punjab to rest of India or how indian Govt. helped Gurbachan and killed 13 sikhs to provoke them..The movie portrayed to some extent how a few youth joined the movement after failing to get justice from authorities but deliberately ignored the part where sikhs were actually discriminated in the so called SECULAR nation..Hence,it would be thought that it was only to improve upon Diljit’s and BJP MP(kirron kher’s) own image to gain max viewership and garner maximum votes without offending anyone..Its funny how no one in india still take any name of major political parties that ruined punjab which are BJP and Congress together.,.

Very honest review and opinion. Completely agree with you.

It seems that you already had some pre conceived opinions in your mind when you started to watch this film. The “neutrality” aspect from a reviewer is missing here. The very fact that you label someone as ‘freedom fighters’ reflects that you have an implicit support for a particular movement.

Great write up. This looks interesting, I need to see this movie.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Where to watch

Punjab 1984.

Directed by Anurag Singh

This is the story of a mother and her missing son set in the backdrop of 1984 Punjab, when the state was going through a terrible time of terrorism. The film depicts the longing of a mother for her son and her search for her son, who is labelled a terrorist because of the bad times in Punjab.

Diljit Dosanjh Sonam Bajwa Kirron Kher Arun Bali Pavan Malhotra Manav Vij Daljinder Basran Arjuna Bhalla Gurucharan Channi Rana Ranbir Kartar Cheema Vishwas Kini

Director Director

Anurag Singh

Writers Writers

Surmeet Maavi Anurag Singh

Eastern Punjabi, Eastern Panjabi

Family Drama History

Releases by Date

27 jun 2014, 04 jul 2014, releases by country.

• Theatrical 12A

159 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by mani ★★★★★ 2

never fails to make me sob . i cried like 20 mins in… as a punjabi it makes me sick to my stomach that 1984 was real & that my dad lived through this to see it. and i just want to say that Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was NOT the equivalent to osama bin laden.

Review by Cameron Wayne Johnson ★★★½ 4

What, Anurag Singh, would any other year in Punjab lead audiences to believe to think that this is another one of your cutesy comedies? Well, if Dilijit Dosanjh wabted hus big dramatic break, Singh set it in an unfortunate era if he wanted to maintain his buddy's cred as one of India's most beloved Sikh actors. Dosanjh takes on such prejudice as a law-abding college student and farmer caught in the middle of a military mission to take out Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who, for you non-Indians, was kind of framed as the Osama Bin Laden of Sikhs (A lot more passive, but yeah, brutal militant separatism and whatnot). Operation Blue Star leaves behind the whole of Punjab in pandemonium and…

Review by ThalaivaDhanush ★★★★ 4

Watched for the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh massacres because this is apart of history I definitely need to expand my knowledge of.

I don’t think they would have let this be released now especially with the resurgence of the Khalistan movement but it’s a story that needs to be told 

I liked that they focus on Diljit’s character because it makes the oppression feel more personal instead of focusing on the greater riots for the whole movie you can see how Emergency and the chaos after Indira’s assassination permeates normal people’s everyday life not just in big cities like Delhi but in more rural communities in Punjab. Especially in the years after. The division and oppression didn’t just last…

Review by Gurliv ★★★★½

The ending scene made me think it was deliberately shown that tragic to add more emotion to it. However, when the credits rolled and real families were shown whose sons were literally killed in front of their homes, it completely broke me.

The story of Shivjeet & his mother depicts the painful longing of thousands of sons,fathers & brothers who were killed in fake encounters or were picked up by police and were never seen again.

Review by Gursimran01 ★★★★

For me, best movie from punjabi industry ever produced! Diljit has done magnificent work and deserves national award! Anurag singh delivers his career defining work! Always has a doubt on his work but now i am speechless! Kiran kher will take you to her journey of sad, courageous and fearful nature! Cinematography, dialogues and screenplay need some applause! Pawan malhotra  keep his screen time for us to hate him. Need to watch by more audience!

Review by Harshit Gupta ★★★★★

Watched after a long wait somehow, but in spite of all the wait and hype, it was totally worth it all.

It's an odd film in the way that it was not an easy watch, and yet, it was difficult to leave the film. Probably a perfect combination, bringing the heaviness of the subject with a page turner script. Except for the slightly filmy climax, absolutely loved the film in pretty much every part. Especially Kirron Kher's acting (she seems almost natural there) and of course the way her character was written.

Review by deepi_ ★★★½

Such an important film. I’m honestly surprised India allowed this film to be made and released. I hope one day all the families of those wronged get justice. #NeverForget1984

Review by Ycheema ★★★★★

One of the greatest Punjabi films of all time.

Review by Kushal Raut ★★★½

I was mislead with the subject of the movie, i wanted to know and understand the period in which it is set but for the most It remains a subplot. The feud between the inspector Rana and Diljit's character takes the centre stage. Which plays like a Bollywood exploitative cliche. It hits some familiar trophs and some clunky action. But it's not a lost cause. Atleast it's entertaining. The performances are good. Specially kiron kher, she was excellent. And sure they touched upon the atrocities of 84, I wish they would have dived deeper.

Select your preferred backdrop

Select your preferred poster.

Punjab 1984: A review

~ Ohna Maavaan De Naam Jo Ajj Vi Apne Puttan Nu Udeekdiyaan Ne ~

(Dedicated to those mothers who await their sons even today)

Recently, the film completed a year since its release; an opportune instance for a recap and another round of applause. It deserves all the accolades in the world and then some more. I write not as a reviewer but a viewer; not as a critic but a fan, who’s watched it for the third time today. I write this, as I marvel at the evident diligence that has gone into its making. As a tribute to the director, actors, producers; I write, in obeisance to the martyrs who succumbed to those trying times. Actor-Director duo of Diljit Dosanjh and Anurag Singh collaborated for the fourth time to create magic on-screen yet again. I personally feel glad to see the Punjabi Film Industry deviating from the comedy genre and making more thought-provoking movies. The 1984 Punjab insurgency forms the crux. Focus, however, does not waver as it showcases the plight of a mother. One, who like many of that time, waited in anticipation to see her missing son return. The film depicts the journey of Satwant Kaur, looking for the apple of her eye, Shivjeet Singh Mann. Kirron Kher as Satwant Kaur takes one on an emotional roller coaster. It rends my heart to see Diljit Dosanjh’s character, the happy-go-lucky simpleton, raise a rifle. I believe, if you truly hate a villain, the actor has done his job well; trust Pavan Malhotra to deliver a stupendous performance every time. Sonam Bajwa looks lovely in her rustic avatar. Special mention to the supporting star cast whose stellar performances give you something to take back, a smile here and a tear there. If Swaah Bann Ke doesn’t give you goose bumps, you probably need to get your pulse checked. All the songs are soul-stirring and leave a lasting impression. All in all, with a strong story line, breath-taking performances and quality cinematography, Punjab 1984 has the makings of a contemporary classic. For those who haven’t yet seen the film: 1. What are you waiting for? Hanukkah? 2. Spoiler alert! –> It’s gut-wrenching to see the hero of the script succumb to a bullet at the very end. Just when you see him returning home, calling ‘ Bole So Nihaal ’ and are convinced it’s going to be a happy ending, *bam!* your hopes are dashed. As Shivjeet breathes his last, his mother’s wail rattles the soul and haunts you for a long time after you’re done watching.

On that note, I cannot wait to see Sardaar Ji, the latest and already very successful release of shining star Diljit Dosanjh.

Share this:

2 thoughts on “ punjab 1984: a review ”.

a very emotional story.. and best part is of Diljit & Kirron as Mom and Son!

Absolutely!

Like Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

• About Rotten Tomatoes®
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening This Week
• Top Box Office
• Coming Soon to Theaters
• Certified Fresh Movies

Movies at Home

• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• Most Popular Streaming Movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• 85% Speak No Evil Link to Speak No Evil
• 77% Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Link to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• 95% Rebel Ridge Link to Rebel Ridge

New TV Tonight

• -- Emmys: Season 76
• -- American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez: Season 1
• -- Agatha All Along: Season 1
• 93% The Penguin: Season 1
• -- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: Season 2
• -- Twilight of the Gods: Season 1
• -- Tulsa King: Season 2
• -- High Potential: Season 1
• -- Frasier: Season 2
• -- A Very Royal Scandal: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• 61% The Perfect Couple: Season 1
• 85% The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 2
• 74% Kaos: Season 1
• 63% The Old Man: Season 2
• 100% Slow Horses: Season 4
• 100% Dark Winds: Season 2
• -- Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter: Season 1
• 93% Bad Monkey: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV

Certified fresh pick

• 93% The Penguin: Season 1 Link to The Penguin: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Resident Evil Movies In Order: How To Watch The Series Chronologically

50 Best New Horror Movies of 2024

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Transformers One First Reviews: The Best Transformers Movie Yet

The Penguin First Reviews: Colin Farrell’s Wild Performance Makes the Series a Must-Watch

• Trending on RT
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Emmy Predictions
• Toronto Film Festival
• Best New Horror Movies

Punjab 1984 Reviews

The film has a lot of emotion, a lot of tragedy, and I guarantee that you will cry.

Full Review | May 18, 2020

• On Sikh Leadership, Struggle and Panthic Tradition: Bhai Mandhir Singh (Panth Sewak Jatha Doaba) (2024-09-14)
• They Remain Undefeated to this Day; They are Unconquerable (2024-09-14)
• Tan Dhesi MP elected as Chair of the UK Defence Select Committee (2024-09-13)
• Political Storm Over Rahul Gandhi’s Comments About Highlight Need for a Sikh Homeland: Sikh Fed UK (2024-09-13)
• WSO Condemns Shaving of Elderly Sikh Patient at Brampton Civic Hospital (2024-09-13)
• Ajaypal Singh Brar Analysis on The Current Ground Situation in Punjab (2024-09-12)
• How Sikh Students of Lyallpur Khalsa College Were Shot 37 Years Ago? Saga of Saka Nakodar 1986 (2024-09-12)
• Hidden Details: The Discrepancies in Darbara Singh Guru’s Account of the 1986 Saka Nakodar Massacre (2024-09-12)
• Supreme Court Declines to Interfere in FIR Against Sumedh Saini in Balwant Singh Multani Murder Case (2024-09-11)
• How Western Ideology Changes the Worldview of Various Faiths, Religions, Cultures and Traditions (2024-09-09)

• Punjab Politics
• Indian Politics
• Sikh Genocide 1984

General News

• Overseas Sikh News
• Special News
• Political News
• Religious News
• Articles/OP-ED
• Letters to Editor
• Nationalism in Contemporary Context (Seminar)
• Font Converter

Movie Review: Punjab 1984

June 28, 2014 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

The title “Punjab 1984” was giving an impression that the movie may be related to the traumatic events of 1984 that had affected the global Sikh society. Though there were not much expectations that the movie would tell the tales of 1984 cultural trauma.

The writer-cum- director of the movie claimed that his film was “not political” and it was based a story of a tragedy witnessed by a mother and a son.

If we are to briefly talk about the tragedy of the mother and her son, as screened in “Punjab 1984”, it is the story of a mother whose son was picked by the police at the behest of a relative with whom the family had a land dispute. Mother had almost an unending wait for her son. At the same time it’s a story of a son who do not want to go home secretly in the night just because of threat of police persecution, rather he wished to visit his home openly, in broad day light and with honour.

In this light our view is that “Punjab 1984” was a big title and was a symbol of Sikh cultural trauma. It was related to the existential concerns of the Sikh nation and it was also connected to the Sikh struggle.

But the movie has been made on an entirely different ground and some loose rings are inserted in it to make it appear that it was connected to “Punjab” and “1984”.

Many movies based on themes related to police excesses, political games of politicians, family tragedies, self-respect have been made in the past and these would remain the themes of many future movies as well; but all this alone was not sufficient to express “Punjab 1984” in true light.

Moreover, what ever loose rings are inserted in movie to connect it’s story to Punjab 1984 are, in essence, a cruel joke with the Sikh struggle and the trauma of the Sikhs as well.

The movie presents Sikh struggle in bad-light. It’s not just influenced by the state propaganda rather it seems it be part of that propaganda, so far as this part of the movie is concerned.

All the scenes related to the Sikh militant movement in the movie presents the only image of the struggle as mindless, violent and cruel terrorism that was being fueled by some self-interested politicians.

Readers should decide it themselves if it was right to acknowledge such a view point about the Sikh struggle presented under the grab of presenting a story of tragedy witnessed by a mother and a son?

Those who hold different views are always welcome to express themselves.

(1) Save Our WhatsApp Number 0091-855-606-7689 to your phone contacts; and (2) Send us Your Name via WhatsApp . Click Here to Send WhatsApp Message Now .

Sikh Siyasat is on Telegram Now. Subscribe to our Telegram Channel

Related Topics: Diljit Dosanjh , Punjab 1984 Movie , Punjabi Movies

Leave a Reply

Listen live kirtan from darbar sahib (amritsar).

Follow us on Twitter:

Advertisement.

• Tan Dhesi MP elected as Chair of the UK Defence Select Committee

Get Sikh Siyasat’s Android App

Latest News & Updates

• On Sikh Leadership, Struggle and Panthic Tradition: Bhai Mandhir Singh (Panth Sewak Jatha Doaba)
• They Remain Undefeated to this Day; They are Unconquerable
• Political Storm Over Rahul Gandhi’s Comments About Highlight Need for a Sikh Homeland: Sikh Fed UK
• WSO Condemns Shaving of Elderly Sikh Patient at Brampton Civic Hospital
• Ajaypal Singh Brar Analysis on The Current Ground Situation in Punjab
• How Sikh Students of Lyallpur Khalsa College Were Shot 37 Years Ago? Saga of Saka Nakodar 1986
• Hidden Details: The Discrepancies in Darbara Singh Guru’s Account of the 1986 Saka Nakodar Massacre
• Supreme Court Declines to Interfere in FIR Against Sumedh Saini in Balwant Singh Multani Murder Case
• How Western Ideology Changes the Worldview of Various Faiths, Religions, Cultures and Traditions

Recent Sikh News & Updates

• Delhi Darbar’s Digital Repression and the Sikhs

Like us on Facebook

IMPORTANT DOCUMENT:

Politics - More news

• Analysing Tankhah to Sukhbir Badal & SGPC President’s Statement About Control Over Akal Takht
• Ongoing Upheaval in Sikh Electoral Politics in Punjab
• What Is Misl Satluj’s Vision for Punjab? Interview with Ajaypal Singh Brar
• Amritpal Singh’s Mother’s Statement about Khalistan Triggers Controversy, Backlash and Clarifications
• Amritpal Singh’s 4 Day Temporary Release for Oath Taking: All You Need to Know
• Four Sikh Detainees Express Willingness to Contest Punjab Assembly By-Polls

Punjab 1984 (2014) Stream and Watch Online

Watch 'punjab 1984' online.

Yearning to watch ' Punjab 1984 ' on your TV, phone, or tablet? Discovering a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or watch the Anurag Singh-directed movie via subscription can be confusing, so we here at Moviefone want to take the pressure off. We've listed a number of streaming and cable services - including rental, purchase, and subscription alternatives - along with the availability of 'Punjab 1984' on each platform when they are available. Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can watch 'Punjab 1984' right now, here are some finer points about the drama flick. Released June 27th, 2014, 'Punjab 1984' stars Diljit Dosanjh , Sonam Bajwa , Kirron Kher , Arun Bali The movie has a runtime of about 2 hr 39 min, and received a user score of 81 (out of 100) on TMDb, which collated reviews from 11 well-known users. You probably already know what the movie's about, but just in case... Here's the plot: "This is the story of a mother and her missing son set in the backdrop of 1984 Punjab, when the state was going through a terrible time of terrorism. The film depicts the longing of a mother for her son and her search for her son, who is labelled a terrorist because of the bad times in Punjab." 'Punjab 1984' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on Amazon Video .

'Punjab 1984' Release Dates

Similar movies.

Movie Reviews

Follow Moviefone

Latest trailers.

• Film Reviews
• Retrospective
• Learning and Creativity

• Indian Film Reviews

• International Film Reviews

• Silhouette Recommends

• Curtain Raisers

• Indian Cinema Retrospectives

• Mrinal Sen@100

• International Cinema Retrospectives

• Murmurs: Moments with Soumitra Chatterjee

• Music Makers

• Golden Voices

• The Song Story

• Book Review

• Indian Film Personalities

• International Film Personalities

Punjab 1984 Review: About Wounds, Emotions And Simplicity

There is no condoning of terrorism in the movie but it simply tells the story of a youth who lived for his pride and how he got manipulated into the act of terrorism.

Punjab 1984 Cast : Diljit Dosanjh, Kirron Kher, Pavan Raj Malhotra, Arun Bali, Rana Ranbir, Sonam Bajwa, Manav Vij, Vishwas Kini, Vansh Bhardwaj and G.S. Channi Directed by : Anurag Singh Produced by : Gunbir Singh Sidhu & Manmord Sidhu

What got me to watch it with undivided attention: – The fact that Kirron Kher played the role of a mother. – The opening scene of a mother begging for men around to help get some water for her dying kid as they are locked up in the Golden Temple. – The real life incident that stayed with me. I was merely 5-6 years old and watched from my grandparents’ rooftop while below a Sikh youth was tied up in the middle of the road by the police. He was supposedly a terrorist and a relative of the neighbors. I was too young to know then but while I grew up and read and learnt more about the Emergency, I realised that unknowingly I had glimpsed that day the plight of thousands of Sikh youth caught in the web of politics, faith, religion and their own beliefs. There was no right or wrong side. No black and white.

There is no condoning of terrorism in the movie but it simply tells the story of a youth who lived for his pride and how he got manipulated into the act of terrorism. Diljit Dosanjh did wonders with his role as a happy-go-lucky guy who loses himself to terrorism after his father is wrongfully declared a militant. May be someone else could have taken the role to a different level but he didn’t do injustice to it either. The scene where he rubs soil from his fields to his body while missing his slain father is very well done.

Punjab 1984 #movie relies heavily on Kirron Kher and her honest acting. @KirronKherBJP @AnupamPkher http://t.co/7y99nQK9lo #KirronKher — Learning&Creativity (@LearnNCreate) December 29, 2014

Diljit Dosanjh did wonders with his role as a happy-go-lucky guy who loses himself to terrorism after his father is wrongfully declared a militant

Pavan Malhotra surprisingly, plays a negative role after having touched our hearts in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as Milkha Singh’s coach. But he brings the right degree of menace and hardheartedness to his character as the corrupt policeman who relies on encounters for his promotion and doesn’t hesitate to hit an old woman with bare hands and abuses. His end does give audience a sense of relief.

In #Punjab1984 , @KirronKherBJP presence on screen ensures your eyes don’t waver for a minute & you feel every emotion she is going through. — Learning&Creativity (@LearnNCreate) December 29, 2014

The movie ends on an expected a note but the end credits bring more poignancy with real life parents and relatives holding the photographs of their next of kin lost in the 1984 chaos. Punjab suffered it’s share of misfortune and terrorism before it all ended, but it still remains a faint ache, a faded wound ready to burst open every time incidents like this are recalled and touch the cord with the audience.

Hats off to Anurag Singh for making a movie that didn’t stray away from the main theme and didn’t try too hard to tug at the audience’s heart. Every character in the movie plays a very well thought out role and doesn’t go overboard with the mannerisms, dialogues and accents to bring the Punjabi touch which so often mars a Punjabi characterization in main stream Bollywood movies.

Titri, the mute innocent boy, Bittu the loyal friend, Jeeti the demure girlfriend, they all build a silent protective wall around Satwant Kaur and do very well in the small cameos they play. Songs don’t break the narration and are well suited and intricately woven into the situations. Film spares the viewers by not forcefully harping on overflowing buttermilk and sarson da saag dialogues, no unnecessary Bhangra and Giddha and no unappetizing jokes on alcohol and girls.

Punjab 1984 is every bit a serious, sincere effort from the makers to present Punjab as it was in 1984. Very highly recommended.

Diljeet is BRILLIANT, so is Pawan Malhotra. Everyone is superb. But d Soul of d film is @KirronKherBJP .:) #Punjab1984 pic.twitter.com/9S4psYQ4ev — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 20, 2014

Shakun Rana Narang is Administrator of Moviemaniacs Facebook Group . The opinions shared by the reviewers are their personal opinions and does not reflect the collective opinion of Moviemaniacs Facebook Group or Silhouette Magazine. All pictures used in this article are movie stills from the Internet.

More to read

Watch Haider for Shahid, Kashmir And Humanity The Lunchbox: Meeting Point Of Two Bland and Forlorn Entities The Moor Recontextualized Othello to Omkara

Hope you enjoyed reading…

We are editorially independent, not funded, supported or influenced by investors or agencies. We try to keep our content easily readable in an undisturbed interface, not swamped by advertisements and pop-ups. Our mission is to provide a platform you can call your own creative outlet and everyone from renowned authors and critics to budding bloggers, artists, teen writers and kids love to build their own space here and share with the world.

When readers like you contribute, big or small, it goes directly into funding our initiative. Your support helps us to keep striving towards making our content better. And yes, we need to build on this year after year. Support LnC-Silhouette with a little amount – and it only takes a minute. Thank you

Support LnC-Silhouette

Whether you are new or veteran, you are important. Please contribute with your articles on cinema, we are looking forward for an association. Send your writings to [email protected]

Hope you enjoyed reading…

When readers like you contribute, big or small, it goes directly into funding our initiative. Your support helps us to keep striving towards making our content better. And yes, we need to build on this year after year. Support LnC-Silhouette with a little amount – and it only takes a minute. Thank you

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Silhouette Magazine publishes articles, reviews, critiques and interviews and other cinema-related works, artworks, photographs and other publishable material contributed by writers and critics as a friendly gesture. The opinions shared by the writers and critics are their personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of Silhouette Magazine. Images on Silhouette Magazine are posted for the sole purpose of academic interest and to illuminate the text. The images and screen shots are the copyright of their original owners. Silhouette Magazine strives to provide attribution wherever possible. Images used in the posts have been procured from the contributors themselves, public forums, social networking sites, publicity releases, YouTube, Pixabay and Creative Commons. Please inform us if any of the images used here are copyrighted, we will pull those images down.

Latest in Silhouette Magazine

• entertainment

7 years of ‘Punjab 1984’: 5 Interesting facts about the movie