The cast of Punjabi movie Jahankilla, including Gurbani Gill and Jobanpreet Singh, says the message of the film is deep

Mona

Almost an all-new Punjabi cast, helmed by a Maharashtrian director Vickey Kadam, team Jahankilla was in a jovial mood on the eve of the release of their film on Friday. And, why not, cheering them on the premiere night was the real 1983 star — ace cricketer Kapil Dev!

Heaping praise on the cast of the film, Kapil said, “My friend has produced this film and I am here to promote him.” The mood in the Elante cinema corridor was that of jubilation and celebration, as cine-goers thronged to get a glimpse of Kapil. The bold ones beat the crowd to get selfies with the former Indian cricket captain. Chomping on popcorns, Kapil Dev was indulgent with his admirers; a word there, a nod there, he gave company to team Jahankilla.

“Shot in Bahadurgarh Fort, Patiala, the film is titled Jahankilla because it is the training rangroots’ entire jahan (world), and is shot in the killa (fort),” says Vickey Kadam, the debut director of the film. A Maharshtrian, Kadam is not new to the Punjabi industry as he has worked on different projects, including the film Saak that too starred Jobanpreet Singh. “I am pretty comfortable in Punjabi by now. I can understand it fully well, read and write in Roman Punjabi. By my next project, you will see me conversing well in the language,” he chuckles.

The film has a rather fresh cast — Gurbani Gill, Jashn Kohli, Jeet Singh Panwaar and Akashdeep Singh. Its lead actor Jobanpreet Singh has penned the story. “IT stems from my training days in police. That was the golden period of life,” shares Jobanpreet, who quit his police job to pursue his passion for acting. Gurbani plays the character of Simran — Shinda’s love interest. “When a rangroot goes for training how his personal family life is affected is what my character brings to the fore.”

Director Kadam is very proud of his team. “We have the best in the industry join hands — songs are by famous lyricist Shelle, our DOP is Anshul Chobey, who has done Kesari and Punjab 1984, and background score is by Rohit Kulkarni, who has done Mary Kom. You will see a pan-Indian quality to our movie.”

The film’s choreographer Samadhan Sargar loved the experience on the sets. “I have done all the five songs in the film. While we have given our best to all of them, my favourite is Sajje Khabbe as it has an infectious fun vibe.”

The motely group is led by Kapil Dev. “Jahankilla is dedicated to our first responders. It comes with a beautiful message for our youngsters too — it’s not necessary to go abroad to gain success, if you work hard, you can succeed in our own country,” beamed Kapil.