This franchise is often credited with reviving the Punjabi film industry's popularity in the early 2010s, with the third instalment continuing that legacy.
The film was a cultural phenomenon. It established Diljit and Neeru as the undisputed king and queen of Pollywood and proved that Punjabi cinema could achieve massive commercial success overseas. Its legacy continues to influence filmmakers today. Conclusion
This was a landmark moment for Punjabi cinema as its first major 3D animated historical film.
Qismat broke the monotony of slapstick comedies dominating the industry. It made audiences laugh in the first half and deeply weep in the second. The exceptional performances, particularly by Sargun Mehta, paired with a heartbreakingly beautiful musical score, turned it into a cultural touchstone. 7. Angrej (2015) The Nostalgic Period Drama That Changed the Game 7 hit punjabi movies top
Chal Mera Putt focuses on the lives of undocumented Punjabi immigrants living in the UK. While it delivers exceptional humor, the film shines brightest when highlighting the struggles, warmth, and brotherhood shared by immigrants trying to survive in a foreign land. Its massive success spawned a highly popular franchise. 4. Qismat (2018) The Definitive Romantic Tragedy Romantic Drama Starring: Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta
Qismat completely changed the landscape for romantic dramas in Punjab. Jagdeep Sidhu’s brilliant direction and the powerhouse performances by Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta set a new benchmark for emotional storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by B Praak with lyrics by Jaani, became an anthem for heartbreak. 4. Sufna (2020) Romantic Drama Starring: Ammy Virk, Tania, Jagjeet Sandhu, Jasmin Bajwa Director: Jagdeep Sidhu Why It’s a Masterpiece
The landscape of Punjabi cinema changed forever with the release of . As of early 2026, it remains the highest-grossing Punjabi film of all time. This franchise, led by Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa, perfected the "comedy of errors" formula that has become a staple of the industry. Its success wasn’t just about the jokes; it proved that a Punjabi regional film could compete on a global scale, drawing massive audiences in the UK, Canada, and Australia. The film’s ability to pull in over 100 crore INR globally set a new benchmark for what was possible for a regional Indian language film. This franchise is often credited with reviving the
(2022) : A major commercial success that earned approximately ₹58 crore. The comedy revolves around a man who, at his childless wife's insistence, marries her sister, leading to chaotic household rivalry.
Punjabi cinema, often referred to as Pollywood, has undergone a massive transformation over the last two decades. Moving away from formulaic stories and limited budgets, the industry has begun producing content that rivals Bollywood in production quality and narrative depth. This paper highlights seven of the most significant hit movies in Punjabi cinema history, selected based on box office performance, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. These films illustrate the industry's shift toward realistic storytelling, strong character arcs, and global appeal.
Shivjit (Ammy Virk) moves to Chandigarh for his studies and rents a room where he meets Bani (Sargun Mehta). What starts as a playful, fake romance to tease Bani's ex-boyfriend gradually transforms into a deep, life-altering love. However, destiny ( qismat ) has tragic twists in store for them. Its legacy continues to influence filmmakers today
: For years, this was the benchmark for Punjabi success, grossing around ₹60 crore. It's a cult-classic comedy about an orphan's hilarious attempts to find a wife so he can move to Canada. Saunkan Saunkne
Its grand scale, powerful narrative, and focus on Sikh history resonated deeply with the diaspora. 4. Carry On Jatta 2 (2018)
These seven films are not merely a list of box office figures; they are a roadmap of Pollywood’s evolution. Jatt & Juliet taught the industry how to travel abroad; Punjab 1984 taught it how to feel deeply; Carry On Jatta taught it how to laugh endlessly; Sardaar Ji taught it how to dream big; Qismat taught it how to break hearts; Chal Mera Putt taught it how to ground stories in reality; and Honsla Rakh taught it how to mature. Together, these seven hits prove that Punjabi cinema is no longer a regional cousin—it is a global powerhouse with its own voice, rhythm, and swagger.