By Abhinav Kumar Chandel – New Delhi
Directed by French filmmaker Narinderpal Singh Chandhok, “Jaspal” is a feature film that delves into the universal theme of longing to settle abroad. Anchored by Anmol Dhaliwal in the lead role, the film offers a poignant portrayal of Punjab’s ground realities while simultaneously exploring the complexities of familial bonds and personal aspirations.
The narrative centers around two brothers, Jaspal (played by Anmol Dhaliwal) and Vicky (portrayed by Gurpreet Singh Bhullar), whose lives are entangled in the pursuit of migration. Chandhok’s lens scrutinizes the lengths individuals are willing to go to achieve their dreams of living abroad, juxtaposing this with the protagonist’s reluctance to leave Punjab behind for love.
At its core, “Jaspal” grapples with the timeless question: how far is too far when it comes to chasing the allure of foreign shores? The film captures the desperation and frenzy that ensues, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human condition.
One of the film’s standout features is its nuanced exploration of migration as a global phenomenon. Chandhok deftly navigates the multilingual script, seamlessly weaving together Punjabi, English, and even French dialogue to reflect the diverse linguistic landscape of Punjab. The cinematography masterfully captures the vibrancy of urban Punjab, punctuated by breathtaking drone shots of both Punjab and Uttarakhand.
While eschewing the typical Bollywood song-and-dance formula, “Jaspal” opts for a minimalist approach to its soundtrack, relying instead on evocative background scores to underscore pivotal moments, particularly in the film’s crime sequences.
Following a screening at Alliance Française de Delhi, director Narinderpal Singh Chandhok engaged in a lively Q&A session with the audience, emphasizing that “Jaspal” transcends the confines of mainstream Punjabi cinema. Chandhok passionately advocates for the exploration of pertinent social issues within Punjabi cinema, asserting that the film serves as a poignant commentary on Punjab’s societal fabric.
For audiences, especially those with ties to Punjab, “Jaspal” offers a compelling cinematic experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. It sheds light on the pervasive issue of migration, unveiling the underbelly of societal challenges such as drug abuse, prostitution, and corruption. With its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, “Jaspal” stands as a testament to the power of cinema to provoke introspection and spark dialogue.
