Panorama Studios Goes Big on Punjabi Cinema with Star‑Power Deals

It’s not every day you see a heavyweight production house turn its spotlight toward a regional market, but that’s exactly what Panorama Studios did this week. In a modestly‑glamorous press conference in Mumbai, the studio unveiled three‑film agreements with Punjabi megastars Ammy Virk, Neeru Bajwa and Harrdy Sandhu, signaling a serious commitment to the fast‑growing Punjabi film sector.

“We’ve always loved Punjabi stories,” said Rohan Mehta, Panorama’s head of content, grinning as he gestured toward the trio. “The audience is hungry, the talent is incredible, and the numbers speak for themselves.” He referenced a recent report that Punjabi films have seen a 45% jump in box‑office receipts over the past two years—a trend that’s only getting steeper.

Ammy Virk, fresh off the critical success of his latest drama, will lead a romantic‑action venture slated for a summer release. The actor, who has become a household name thanks to hits like “Nikka Zaildar,” told reporters he’s “excited to work with a studio that actually cares about the story, not just the star‑power.”

Neeru Bajwa, a veteran of both the silver screen and the small screen, is set to headline a comedy‑drama that blends the familiar village‑centric humor with a dash of urban sophistication. “I think Punjabi audiences deserve a little more variety,” she laughed, adding that she’s eager to explore “new characters that still feel like home.”

Harrdy Sandhu, known for his slick pop tracks and magnetic on‑screen presence, will team up with Panorama for an action‑thriller that promises high‑octane chase sequences and a soundtrack that could top the charts. “It’s about pushing boundaries,” Harrdy said, “while staying true to the heart of Punjabi culture.”

The deals, each covering three films over the next five years, include profit‑sharing clauses that give the stars a slice of the upside. Industry insiders see this as a win‑win: the studio gets bankable names, while the actors gain more creative control and a steady pipeline of projects.

Beyond the marquee names, Panorama’s strategy appears to be about infrastructure too. The company announced plans to set up a dedicated Punjabi production hub in Chandigarh, complete with state‑of‑the‑art sound stages and a post‑production suite. “Think of it as Hollywood meets Punjab,” Mehta quipped, “only with better food.”

Critics are cautiously optimistic. While the financial muscle behind Panorama could elevate production values, some wonder whether the studio will retain the gritty, authentic vibe that has made Punjabi cinema resonate worldwide. “You don’t want to polish away the soul,” warned film critic Simran Kaur, “but if done right, this could be a turning point.”

For now, fans have plenty to be excited about. The first of the trio’s projects is slated to begin shooting in early 2027, and rumors suggest a joint promotional tour that could take the stars from Chandigarh to Toronto, tapping into the vibrant diaspora community. As the curtain rises on this new chapter, one thing is clear: Punjabi cinema is stepping onto a bigger stage, and the world is watching.