Punjab 1984 (2014) User Reviews

A Must Watch for An Indian!

[ashishdhawan12 · 7/10 · 5 July 2014]

First of all I'm a bit surprised that even after one week of it's release nobody has actually posted a review!

Now I will say that Punjab film Industry has come a long way in these recent few years giving us viewers some great movies to watch! now i personally thought that Punjab film industry is only capable in making people laugh but after seeing this i salute the director who has changed my thoughts on it,they can actually make us emotional too.

This movie was very important for me as a youngster born in Tarn-Taran the place where these incidents actually happened and heard stories from his parents ,read in books about the massacre that happened in 1984 i had mixed feelings on it as I'm an Atheist belonging to a Hindu background we also lost a family member in the massacre who fought his whole life for the welfare of farmers and their rights!

Okay so let's get started the movie starts of with kirron kher who did a splendid job as a mother trying to find his missing son who was taken by police for apparently no reason and later told that he was a terrorist.I wouldn't spoil it any further as i think it's better to watch then speak about it.

As Diljit Dosanjh said in an interview after seeing the movie you will not remember one particular role but admire each and everyone's effort behind the movie which clearly shows of.

Now the movie is shot in some beautiful destinations like villages in Punjab, city of tarn taran where i belong to and the mountains of Srinagar.

last but not the least I thank kirron kher,diljit dosanjh and director Anurag singh for depicting the movie so good ,i was personally worried after seeing a movie called sada haq based on similar incidents which was not worthy of all the hype it got. but I can surely say each and every Indian should watch this movie to know what actually happened 1984!

''100% unbiased movie''

Thanks!

Awesome Movie

[smuhar · 8/10 · 10 December 2014]

This is by far the best Punjabi movie ever made on this topic of relationship between a mother and son who suffered during the troubled 80s. Acting was excellent and so were the songs. Only the second half was bit slow and the director got carried away in trying to combine politics and terrorism. Second half was also too long, the movie could have been cut short by at least 15 minutes. The songs were very touchy and were there as per the situation. Dilijit Dosanjh, Kirron Kher both played their parts well. But the surprises were Rana Ranbir and Pawan Malhotra. Rana Ranbir did full justice and Pawan Malhotra played it so well that you actually hate that guy, that is acting. I am from the Majha area and could relate very well to all the places mentioned in the movie not to forget the Majhail dialict in the movie from the extras (the villagers). A very sincere attempt to share the sorrows of the mothers/fathers who lost their sons (Hindus/Sikhs and Policemen) and some of them don't even know what happened to them. The last lady showed at end titles, who does not even have a photo of her son, as she has lost her mental balance and gets agitated when reminded about her son, brought tears to my eyes. These great mothers still suffer for no fault of theirs. Kudos to the neighbours of this lady, who take care of her.

Touching, Heart Rendering, AMAZING

[pushpinder_1987 · 9/10 · 30 June 2014]

Hats off and a Big Thank You to Anurag Singh and White hill for a movie like this. Touches the right emotions. One of the best performances from Kiron Kher and Diljit. Kiron Kher ma'am you have proved once again why you are such a versatile actor. And Diljit has proved as well that he is not just a one genre actor. The movie has been beautifully pictured and each scene is like its been taken of a canvas. Amazing Music esp 'Awaal Allah', 'Channo' and 'Swaah Ban k'. It could have been a bit shorter. at two hours and forty minutes it does tend to stretch a bit. But that does not stop this movie from being a master piece. I hope this movie creates a bed rock for Punjabi Cinema and promotes more movies to be made over sensitive and meaningful topics.

The BEST movie I have ever seen!

[japinder-gill · 10/10 · 27 July 2014]

A heartfelt 'Thank You!!!' to the team that made this awesome movie. I want to salute their effort. The only movie before this that had made me feel so proud of the quality that Punjabi cinema is capable of, was Shaheed-e- Mohabbat Buta Singh. Punjab 1984 is simply the BEST movie that I have ever seen, across languages.

Both my husband and I are children of rural Punjab, and so, could identify deeply with the milieu depicted in the movie and with the pain of the characters. We cried at multiple points in the movie and came out of the theater in gloomy silence. It's been six hours since then and all that we have talked about is the movie's characters and the Punjab situation in those days. Never before has a movie overwhelmed me like this.

This movie has accommodated all perspectives and most importantly, has shown the perspective of the common man, which is generally ignored in most narratives of a religious-political conflict. It is a poignant depiction of the suffering the common people underwent due to the political shenanigans of the leaders (of both sides - the government and the revolutionaries) of the time. It shows the helplessness of youth, of both Jat Sikh and Hindu communities, who are prosecuted by the dishonest people in the police system and the dishonest people in the movement. The movie takes care to balance the audience's perspective by showing that not all policemen or all revolutionaries were bad.

I feel very proud that as a society, Punjab has bounced out of this nightmare within a decade.

Food for thought: We could hardly bear the vicarious pain of the characters for 2-and-a-half hours. We cannot begin to imagine how people who actually lived it all would have borne it for their lifetime.

Astonishing and heartbreaking

[guninderwalia · 10/10 · 28 June 2014]

Well, to begin, I cannot remember the last time I could not get up at the end of a movie. I literally could not rise up from my seat. My body felt as though it were being weighed down by something considerably larger and heavier than myself. I stepped into that theatre not entirely knowing what to expect, 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. It's rare that a movie lives up to its hype, even rarer that the hype is transcended by the actual achievement. Punjab 1984 does both. Aided by powerful performances and cinematography.

I might not agree with some of the facts shown in second half or of the portraying the film's perception of the actions of Sikh Freedom Fighters.

The acting was phenomenal. Every one did justice to their role but Kiron Kher and Diljit Dosanjh were simply outstanding. It is must watch movie and one of the best punjabi movie I have ever seen.

Must watch. Excellent Movie

[gurnek9 · 10/10 · 3 July 2014]

This Movie shines a light on the tragedies that happened to thousands of families during and after 1984 turmoil in Punjab (India). Different aspects of the tragedies are interwoven very nicely in this movie. Plot of the movie is very well developed for a Punjabi movie. Wherever possible, two sides of the story are shown and due care is taken not to offend any religion, faith, or occupation. Police brutality, greed, and unwarranted promotions makes you angry. Kiron Kher is such a talented actress, as always she did a superb job. She added emotional depth to her character very well. Diljit Dosanjh did his part very well. He molded into his character so well. Rest of the cast including Sonam Bajwa and Rana Ranbir did a good job too. I would highly recommend it because it takes you on an unbiased journey through some of the unfortunate events that took place in Punjab.

A rare Brilliance in Punjabi Cinema

[singhinderveer94 · 10/10 · 2 July 2014]

first of all I would say that.. The movie's outstanding! Anurag Singh (the director) just proved that you don't need more than 7 0 million rupees ($1,500,000 approx) to make a movie that may actually hit hard all those senseless, masala-filled Indian movies.

I found Kirron Kher's performance in Punjab 1984 as the best until this day. She'll make you cry, make you laugh and capture your senses silently with those expressions.

Most of the scenes were technically and emotionally Genuine. I mean it. I find it Very Rare.

Acting was too good by lead Artists, and even better by the rest of Crew. Movie Direction was superb by Anurag Singh (huge change after giving 4-5 back to back Comedy hits). Songs' Lyrics need special mentioning.. Great! Shooting sets were realistic, giving the audience total feel of the 1980s' unfortunate happenings.

I would've rated it with 9 stars, but an extra one especially for Kirron Kher. Respect.

A POWERFUL film on post 1984 sikh movements, and sikh struggles in Punjab after operation bluestar.

[jmoneyjohal · 10/10 · 11 July 2014]

Diljit Dosanj is easily the best actor ever in punjabi movies,and Punjab 1984 is the best punjabi movie ever made.Finally watched the movie, and now i question myself why it took me so long.A special mention to Kirron Kher she gives her career best performance in Punjab 1984,she makes one shed a tear in her pain of a lost son.If you are sikh it is compulsory that you watch Punjab 1984,it will give insight of an opinion on sikh injustices that happened post 1984 operation blue star attack on harminder sahib.Overall Punjab 1984 is POWERFUL,it shocks your mind and makes you emotional till you cry.Anurag Singh's best film till date. A must watch!!!

No words to explain my respect towards the movie

[bhanguaman2 · 10/10 · 1 July 2014]

This is the best movie i ever seen in my whole life yet. Diljit Dosanjh and Kirron Kher done there best in this movie. Well it's really a heart touching movie God Bless the whole team. Also God bless the souls of our brothers and sisters who were torched/killed during 1984 black days. We wish to see more movies based on reality so that everybody keep there history, keep there roots with themselves. From the starting of the movie to ending it remains it's emotional touch with us. The songs included in the movie were fabulous. Writer's also done there job more then our expectations. If we talk about the singers, Diljit Dosanjh, and other artist's have a diamond like voice. At last i again wants to thanks the whole team for a Masterpiece. Well this movie deserves more then Oscar.

Speechless.....Just awestruck

[Honest_reviews_forimprovement · 26 July 2020]

This is made on a different level only. Amazing and so soulful

What a surprise - a serious & decent Punjabi film!

[murtlecottage · 7/10 · 12 November 2017]

This film demonstrates that there is enough talent within the Panjabi film industry to make serious and decent films. Kiron Kher is absolutely superb as the mother looking for her lost son amidst the lawlessness, chaos and terrorism that existed in Panjab in the early-mid eighties. Diljit Dosanjh demonstrates that he can act in a non-comedy role. Anurag Singh is a director with great potential. This film is not without its flaws (it is too long and the second half descends into the realms of melodrama)but is undoubtedly one of the best Panjabi films and well worth watching.

One of the best movies I have seen in the recent past

[gaurav-bajpai · 10/10 · 1 July 2014]

Shakes you to the core and makes you present to the brutal reality many families had to go in and the aftermath of 84 riots. Whenever I see movies like these, a part of mine cries and the other one feels ashamed to see the lows humanity has gone to. It adds to the misery further to know that the reality is more brutal than what is shown in these movies.

Beautifully directed and acted by everyone in the movie. The songs are very meaningful. Must watch for everyone who relate to the cause in any possible ways. The story line is based on a true incident while we must note that there were many other countless such stories that actually happened.

There are two films here in its two halves, one I would like to praise & the other not.

[bobbysing · 7/10 · 21 July 2014]

Talking about any dark & ugly chapter of our recent history is certainly not an easy task for any creative mind, especially when it comes to a movie project more designed as a commercial venture and not just a realistic artistic expression revealing the exact truth. But before moving on to the movie, I would like to mention the big responsibility such esteemed projects have towards the society & its present or future generations to be precise.

Sadly the bitter truth remains that almost all the regretful chapters of Indian as well as World History are about the clashes between two religions and their blind, insane followers indisputably. Hence whenever a creative artist decides to recreate the same event or era in a book, a poem, a painting or a movie, then he essentially has to take care that any part of his depiction should not trigger some fresh hatred among the two sects irresponsibly.

Plus his creation should actually aim at establishing a new set of understanding between the followers of two different ideologies with a positive attitude, so that such shameful incidents are never repeated again by the future generations ever. And the people learn to become a better human being living a spiritual life instead of a religious one.

Now coming to PUNJAB 1984, thankfully its director Anurag Singh at least partially delivers a film which I expected from him honestly in its first hour. But then he too questionably bows down to many other commercial and moral obligations to be fulfilled in his second half, hampering the overall impact in the end quite drastically. So as I see it, there are two distinctive films here in PUNJAB 1984, one before the intermission for which I have all praises to shower upon and the other post the interval which just remains a more filmy and clumsy interpretation of the issue, willing to satisfy one and all.

Part One - (The story of a lonely mother waiting for her missing young son.)

Presenting a beautiful, emotional portrayal of a helpless mother first losing her husband and then a young loving son to the changing times, this first half of the movie is a must watch indeed directed with a focused vision and class, as expected by the experienced director of Punjabi cinema. Many brilliant sequences in this part truly win over the viewers, like Diljit's opening scene with a comic flair, his painful cry at the fields, Kiron's lovable interaction with Diljit's childhood friend, their scene together at the NGO's office, the confrontation sequence between Diljit & Pawan and the most powerful one wherein Pawan physically assaults Kiron Kher in a fit of anger.

Never giving away to any vague depiction of that era (influenced by any biased agenda), this one hour of the film remains highly authentic offering a pure emotional journey into the mind of a lonesome mother, brilliantly played by Kiron Kher reminding you of her another splendid act in KHAMOSH PANI (2003). Well supported by two other intense acts by Diljit Dosanjh and Pawan Malhotra, the trio makes you feel the painful trauma with moist eyes repeatedly and one cherishes watching a meaningful film till interval made with an honest approach.

Part Two – (The completely filmy or messy portrayal of the era with no specific vision.)

After narrating a highly impressive and touchy story of a suffering mother, PUNJAB 1984 sadly starts walking on a completely different clichéd path deviating from the focused vision displayed in its first half. Offering all seen before, unclear references of cross border terrorism, internal disputes between the so called movement's leaders, clever tricks played by the politicians and a lot more, the project loses the master touch somewhere in the second hour, turning it into a typical filmy take on the thoughtful issue regretfully.

In the music section, the soundtrack does have some exceptionally relevant lyrics written insightfully, but also lacks an equally appreciable melody in most of the tracks, except a few. The songs do hinder the pace towards the end as usual and one really misses any particular track bringing tears to the eyes in this weaker part of the film sung by the likes of Sukhwinder with his heart piercing alaaps and opening couplets.

Technically a well-crafted film with a noteworthy camera-work and an immensely contributing background score PUNJAB 1984 has some extremely good as well as ridiculous dialogues in its many important scenes quite weirdly. Now I have intentionally used this contradictory statement because where I was deeply impressed with the writing & dialogues till the intermission, I frankly felt simply shocked listening to a few, including the one having a very disgusting phrase used for the respected MOTHER in the climax (said by Pawan to Diljit).

So witnessing such a strange & uneven path followed by this much awaited project, I truly felt as if I had seen two different movies together in one show and therefore would like to rate it in two separate parts only considering it as a rare exception made by a talented team.

In short, PUNJAB 1984 is a perfect example of missing a gifted opportunity to make a milestone film in the history of Punjabi cinema to be remembered forever. Ironically, Yes it does have a worth watching first half featuring three brilliant acts for sure. But if one studies the film in its entirety then the excellence achieved before intermission is brutally sacrificed post interval, just in order to make it another money churning project based on the dark era.

To say the truth, Gulzar's MAACHIS (1996) and Shonali Bose's AMU (2005) still remain the only two path breaking, truthful films made on the issue…....straight from a crying heart.

Yet you need to watch PUNJAB 1984 just for the outstanding act of Kiron Kher alone!

Good movie ruined by political propaganda

[rk-j-25 · 4/10 · 3 July 2014]

A movie about a mother separated from her son. Misleading title as there was very little reference towards 1984 and the atrocities which took place. The over all tone was that or sadness and attempt at slandering Sikhs desperately trying to create the impression that Sikhs are terrorists.

The movie itself was nicely made and heart warming. A refreshing change from the usual Bollywood movies that hit the screens.

Unfortunately the overtly obvious slander towards Sikhs, based on the desire that the Indian government is trying to wipe this event from the general populations memories or justify such acts, for me ruined the movie.

A must watch..

[arpitd · 8/10 · 5 July 2014]

Outstanding effort by Anurag Singh and team for making a movie on a very sensitive and bold subject. If you belong to Punjab you will find yourself connected to the story. Acting by Kiron Kher, Daljit and Pawan Malhotra is very realistic. All the shooting locations depicts the era of 1990s. The songs are touching and compliment the script very well. The movie is a must watch for all ages. A very emotional and sentimental bond of mother son relationship is shown. A story of a family and a struggle of a village boy is elegantly presented on Silver Screen.

All in all.. a must watch !

Picking up arms or weapons has never solved problems

[prabhulaldamji · 9/10 · 25 September 2014]

Many parts of the world has seen one tragedy after another, some are well publicised while many are going on unseen or not reported in media.

This movie on just one part of reflection of the society even today in many parts of the earth wherever there is injustice, suffering, oppression whether being led by politicians, religions or other ways(such as present situation in the middle east and DRC) .Many instances has shown people taking arms or weapons as the answers to bring the end of these problems. And as a result this has led to more and more misery as highlighted in this movie. And in many cases, organisations and companies making these weapons are making billions and billions of dollars and countries are spending more instead of using these funds for the better of the communities. Of course there has been some exception such as South Africa and Northern Ireland, (even in these countries there had been violent attempts to bring out the changes by violence means but without success).

The movie highlighted how power, authority corrupts people, this world is becoming less trustworthy, becoming hard to find genuine humanity and how easily one can be mislead in seeking for justice or answers to problems.

Otherwise the my heart goes to part played by the mother Kirron Kher and her desperate circumstances, a reflection what true humanity is. Thanks for the director to bring this out in the movie which has become rare in current movies coming out of both the west and east.

A must Watch

[jasper_pari · 10/10 · 29 June 2014]

The movie just wonderful.It is very emotional and heart throbbing movie.It showcases all what happened in the 1984 and what were its after effects .Great music and classic acting from all the artists #massive respect to all the members of the film .truely a masterpiece of Cinema.The Direction of the movie is also a class apart.The film shows the audience that how the black period of 1984 affected the families in Punjab because of the police tortures.The role of the mother which is played by Kirron Kher is just wow and she makes the audience cry with her splendid acting and the aggression and the sweet look Diljit carries also good.The role by Rana Ranbir is also Excellent.Apart from these,The dialogues of the movie are just amazing and the lyrics of the songs are heart melting.I cried thrice during the whole movie In the end i would say that it is truly a Stunner

Just Wow! Must watch.

[manjots-50550 · 9/10 · 11 December 2020]

I am short of words describing the features of this mind blowing and beautifully presented punjabi movie. This movie set an example for others about what a well directed, appropriately casted and musically awesome movie looks like. Sensible and emotional storyline portrayed very well which has potential to make audience stick to their chairs. Keep shining and keep pushing boundaries punjabi cinema. A must watch.

Must watch Punjabi movie

[manish-anandrpr · 10/10 · 3 October 2020]

Film represents a beautiful story during an unfortunate time of Indian history.

A mush watch for An Indian

[himanshu7441 · 10/10 · 18 January 2019]

A mush watch for every Indian. Best ever movie by Diljeet Dosanj.

Quasi classic

[ragingbull_2005 · 7/10 · 17 April 2022]

This is a poignant tale, of a mother searching for his son, lost in the tumult of Punjab in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar.

The story is engaging and for the first 120 minutes of its 150 minute runtime, largely believable. It is the final half hour that derailed this for me, where the director tries to give everything a neat denouement.

The acting is truly brilliant, with three powerhouse performances, courtesy Dosanjh, Kher and Pawan Malhotra. The film is technically superb and feels autobiographical at times, with its intimate shots that feature the crumbling walls, the luscious fields, the dingy jail, the narrow lanes of _pind_.

It is quasi classic and is a must watch as a spiritual companion to the forthcoming Delhi Files.

Great film

[Satnam_jandoo · 9/10 · 8 March 2015]

Very touching film about a bad time in the history of India. This film provided a human perspective on a problem that brought to a head different political ideologies. The film showed how ordinary working class families were affected and ultimately manipulated by different parties for political or financial gain.

Thought the casting was excellent with the family represented well and could sympathise with the characters in a Punjabi family (both Sikh and Hindu). The villains were also well represented through the police and the politicians.

Also provided a good introduction into the events in 1984 which I vaguely knew about and would like to research further in the future.

Below average movie

[karanpuri-43429 · 5/10 · 21 October 2018]

First half is ok. Second half director seemed confused what he wanted to show.

A really moving experience.

[karandeep0210 · 9/10 · 10 March 2015]

This is my first review on IMDb. The effort made by Anurag Singh is really commendable. The script, the acting and the music come together to give a really moving experience to the viewer. Picking up such a sensitive topic for a movie and then doing 100 per cent justice to it is an appreciable effort. Kirron Kher, Diljit Dosanjh and Pavan Raj Malhotra really bring the characters to life. The songs are really good and go very well with the script. The simplicity with which the emotions have been portrayed is not an easy task. Kirron Kher's dialogue "Bhukh laggi honi aa, roti kha lai" isbound to bring tears in your eyes.

Clearly, One of the best Punjabi movies out there.

A Brilliant par Excellence Movie

[guptaashwani-92005 · 10/10 · 13 May 2018]

It will hit every Punjabi heart very deeply......its such a marvelous piece....MUST Watch