Muklawa

Muklawa is a 2019 Punjabi romantic comedy-drama film. It stars the beloved singer turned actor, Ammy Virk, and Sonam Bajwa, who have been made famous by other popular Punjabi films. The film also features Sarabjit Cheema, a well-known Punjabi entertainer.

The story is set in old rural Punjab, specifically in the time period of 1960. During this time, certain old customs and rituals were still followed. In this environment, our protagonist, Shinda (Ammy Virk), gets married to Taaro (Sonam Bajwa), but events take a unique twist. Keeping in line with the Punjabi tradition of Muklawa, Shinda is not allowed to see or live with his wife until after the completion of an unwritten and undefined period following their marriage.

This tradition sets the stage for the film's narrative. Frustrated by his inability to be with his wife due to this age-old custom, he makes up his mind to bring his beloved wife Taaro home. Despite the various obstacles and challenges that Shinda faces, his determination remains unwavering, to the extent that he's ready to stand up against his own family and community to achieve what his heart truly desires. The elaborate rituals around this custom, the frustration of distance in love, and various comic elements around it form the crux of the storyline. However, the challenges aren't just from cultural practices but involve family conflicts and personal dilemmas.

Ammy Virk portrays the struggler protagonist Shinda with much authenticity. His excellent comic timing and chemistry with actress Sonam Bajwa add leaps to the narrative. Meanwhile, Bajwa beautifully portrays Taaro, her charm and nuances adding much-required depth to her character.

The film also features stellar acting performances from rest of the cast, which includes Sarabjit Cheema, who has done great justice to his role. The script brings forth drama, humor, and romance, enticing the audience throughout with the captivating story flow. The narrative uses sharp and well-written dialogues that give the necessary Punjabi essence to the film.

The music of the film, which consists of traditional Punjabi folk and the contemporary fusion genre, is another virtue that adds to the strengths of the movie. The songs are well placed and do not distract from the story progression but rather set the mood for the unfolding events. Also, the seamless integration of traditional dance sequences enhances the authenticity of the film.

The setting of the movie is also worth mentioning. The film takes viewers back to rural Punjab, and the rustic landscapes along with traditional Punjabi houses and marketplace are aesthetically crafted. The locations, costumes, and the whole aura perfectly depict Punjab from over half a century ago, lending to the whole romantic and picturesque appeal of the movie.

This film is directed by Simerjit Singh. He has successfully reconstructed the old Punjab with its customs and traditions, taking the audience on an engaging ride through Shinda's journey filled with hope, laughter, emotion and love. The direction is quite effective, with interesting subplots and characters weaved into the main story that maintain the attention of the viewers till the end.

Muklawa is not just a romantic comedy, it is also about transformation and change. Through the movie, questions are raised about traditional societal norms and customs, urging viewers to reflect on the unnecessary complications these customs may bring about in the lives of people.

In conclusion, Muklawa is an entertaining narrative of a lovable hero's valiant struggles to challenge societal norms in his journey for love. If you like a delectable blend of romance, comedy, and drama, with beautifully placed songs that celebrate Punjabi culture and language, then Muklawa is definitely worth a watch.