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Ashke
Ashke
from Wikipedia

Ashke
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAmberdeep Singh
Screenplay byDheeraj Rattan
Produced byKaraj Gill
Talwinder Hayre
Munish Sahni
StarringAmrinder Gill
Sanjeeda Sheikh
Sarbjit Cheema
Jaswinder Bhalla
Roopi Gill
Hobby Dhaliwal
CinematographyNavneet Misser (India)
Sukh Sanghera (Canada)
Edited byRohit Dhiman
Music byGurcharan Singh
Production
companies
Rhythm Boyz Entertainment
Hayre Omjee Studios
Distributed byOmjee Group (India)

Rhythm Boyz (Canada and America)

Rising Star (United States)
Release date
  • 27 July 2018 (2018-07-27)
Running time
122 mins
CountriesIndia
Canada
LanguagePunjabi
Box office18 crore

Ashke is a 2018 Indian-Punjabi film based on popular folk dance Bhangra and is written by Dheeraj Rattan and directed by Amberdeep Singh. It stars Amrinder Gill, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Roopi Gill in lead roles and Sarbjit Cheema, Hobby Dhaliwal, Jaswinder Bhalla, Avy Randhawa and Gurshabad in supporting roles. Additionally, the film marks as debut for Roopi Gill and Sanjeeda Shaikh in Pollywood.

Ashke was released worldwide on 27 July 2018.[1][2] At Brit Asia TV Awards the film received six nominations including Best Film and Best Actor(Gill).[3]

Plot

[edit]

Pamma is in his late thirties living in Canada with his sister and her family. He is doing petty jobs but doesn't carry on for very long as he has a bad temper and lack of subordination. He is struggling to live and find a direction in his life in contrast with the Pamma from 15 years back, who was full of life and hope.

He was a passionate Bhangra dancer and was the star performer of Khalsa College, Amritsar. But things didn't work out the way he had hoped and after breaking ties with his college team, with the love of his life and his father, his sister gave him a sanctuary in her home as she loves him unconditionally.

But now at an unexpected juncture his sister's kid Ekam finds out about his dance talent and the kids are in dire need of his help. This equation brings him closer to kids and his long-lost passion but also, he comes across his lost love/Jia, in a very vulnerable situation. Pamma finds the emotions he had covered up deep in his heart for all these years.

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Ashke
Soundtrack album by
Released2018
Recorded2018
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguagePunjabi
LabelRhythm Boyz Entertainment
Jatinder Shah chronology
Vadhayiyaan Ji Vadhayiyaan
(2018)
''Ashke''
(2018)
Laatu
(2018)

Track List

[edit]
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Ashke Title Song"HarmanjeetJatinder ShahArif Lohar1:59
2."Handsome Jatta"Bunty BainsDavvy SinghJordan Sandhu2:48
3."Leekan"Raj RanjodhJatinder ShahAmrinder Gill3:35
4."Ashke Boliyan"Raj RanjodhJatinder ShahGurshabad2:09
5."Bholepan"Surinder SadhpuriJatinder ShahRakesh Maini2:42

[7][8]

Release

[edit]

Amrinder Gill announced the name and release date of Ashke on Instagram on his birthday, 11 May 2018. Ashke was released worldwide on 27 July 2018.[9] The first look poster was released on 9 July 2018 and a trailer was released the night before its release date.[10] The film was theatrically released on 27 July 2018. Major releases includes India, Canada, United States and Australia. The film was digitally released on 15 November 2018 on YouTube by Rhythm Boyz and was premiered first time on television on 23 December 2018 on PTC Punjabi.

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Ashke had grossed $379,988(₹2.6 crores) in Australia, in New Zealand film grossed 53.68 lacs whereas ₹1.27 crores in United States[11] and ₹5.94 crores in Canada in its 7 week long theatrical run[12][13] making a worldwide total of ₹18 crores.[14][15]

Critical reception

[edit]
  • The Tribune - the critical reviews of 3.5 out of 5 stars

Somewhere here and there, the film comes across half-baked; a little more temperature and it would have been at its crispiest best! But even without it, this is a film that can truly be called a family entertainer. The film is neither stretched nor boring; it has easy and flowing rhythm which sits easy on your mind and heart. Since the film revolves around Bhangra, it has vibrancy too. The film has subtle humour, which goes with the pace of the film.

—Jasmine Singh, The Tribune[16]
  • Dekh News - the critical reviews of 3.5 out of 5 stars

This movie is going to make you all amazed because of the good direction and production work. Punjabi movie “Ashke” is going to make you all amazed because it has good content. Some reports are suggesting that this flick is going to make you all amazed because of the good production work.

—Shubham Bhaukhandi, Dekh News[17]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ashke is a 2018 Indian Punjabi-language comedy-drama film released on 27 July 2018 that centers on the traditional folk dance form of Bhangra, exploring themes of family, relationships, and personal redemption through a lighthearted narrative. Directed by Amberdeep Singh and written by Dheeraj Rattan, the film stars Amrinder Gill in the lead role as Pamma, a passionate Bhangra dancer whose college team disbands due to unforeseen circumstances, leading him to abandon his passion. Years later, after relocating to Canada, Pamma rediscovers his love for dance when he volunteers to teach Bhangra at his nephew's school, blending cultural heritage with comedic family dynamics. Produced by Karaj Gill, Talwinder Hayre, and Munish Sahni for Rhythm Boyz Entertainment and Hayre Omjee Studios, Ashke received positive reception for its energetic portrayal of Punjabi culture and Bhangra performances, earning a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb from over 1,500 user reviews. The soundtrack, featuring lively tracks like "Ashke Boliyan" sung by Gurshabad, further emphasizes the film's vibrant celebration of Bhangra music and dance traditions.

Background and Production

Concept and Development

The concept of Ashke originated from the rich tradition of Bhangra, the energetic Punjabi that celebrates harvest and community, positioning it as the narrative core to delve into themes of cultural preservation and personal redemption. The story draws on the immigrant experience in , portraying how Bhangra serves as a bridge between past glories and present struggles, while weaving in elements of family bonds and relational harmony. This approach highlights Bhangra not merely as performance but as a vital expression of Punjabi identity amid challenges. The screenplay was crafted by , who structured the narrative around a former Bhangra enthusiast navigating life's transitions, emphasizing emotional depth over spectacle. Direction was handled by , whose prior collaborations with talents ensured a balanced tone blending humor, subtle romance, and cultural resonance. Key creative decisions focused on authentic Bhangra integration to drive character growth, avoiding overemphasis on commercial tropes. Production fell under Rhythm Boyz Entertainment, with attached early as the lead actor and leveraging his established presence in Punjabi music and film—rooted in folk-inspired performances—to bring credibility to the Bhangra-centric role. The project advanced swiftly, with public announcement in May 2018 ahead of its July release, allowing for streamlined development that prioritized thematic coherence over extended .

Pre-production and Filming

The casting process for Ashke centered on as the lead, selected for his extensive experience as a Punjabi singer and , including prior collaborations with director on multiple projects. was approached directly by Singh for the role of Jiya while returning from a trip abroad, marking her debut in ; she prepared by learning the language to deliver an authentic performance. secured a debut role as Noor, alongside other newcomers in supporting parts, bringing fresh energy to the ensemble. The production team assembled a skilled to emphasize the film's Bhangra-centric narrative, with cinematographers Dan Dumouchel, Navneet Misser, and hired to capture the vibrant dance sequences through dynamic visuals. Editors Rohit Dhiman and Baljeet Singh Marwah handled post-production to maintain the rhythm of the action, while choreographer Dinesh Kumar was brought on to design authentic Bhangra routines that highlighted cultural precision. Principal photography commenced in early 2018 and wrapped later that year, with shoots primarily in —focusing on and nearby areas in —to authentically represent life, complemented by locations in and , ; roughly half the film was filmed in each region, including key scenes at Khalsa College in .

Story and Characters

Plot Summary

Ashke follows the story of Pamma, a former star Bhangra dancer from who, after his college team disbands due to unforeseen circumstances, relocates to and settles into a life of menial jobs, struggling to maintain stability while living with his sister and her family. The narrative spans his past achievements in college Bhangra competitions and his present-day disillusionment, highlighting Bhangra as the central thread driving the plot's emotional and relational arcs. The inciting incident occurs when Pamma's young nephew discovers his uncle's hidden Bhangra talent through old videos and recordings, sparking the boy's own interest in the dance form and drawing the family into efforts to nurture this newfound passion. This revelation rekindles Pamma's long-dormant enthusiasm for Bhangra, prompting him to volunteer as a coach at his nephew's school and gradually rebuild his connection to the art that once defined him. As the story progresses, the central conflict emerges through Pamma's unexpected reconnection with his college sweetheart, Jiya, now living in , complicated by family obligations, cultural norms, and the passage of 14 years since their separation. These tensions intertwine with the preparations for a significant Bhangra event, testing Pamma's resolve amid pressures from his loved ones and his own unresolved past. The film builds to a climax centered on a pivotal Bhangra performance that brings personal aspirations and fractured relationships to a head, ultimately leading to a resolution of emotional and familial conflicts. With a runtime of 122 minutes, Ashke weaves these elements into a cohesive tale of rediscovery and .

Cast and Roles

Amrinder Gill stars as Pamma Dhillon, an ex-Bhangra dancer who forms the emotional core of the narrative, showcasing vulnerability through his struggles and resilience in pursuing personal fulfillment. Sanjeeda Sheikh plays Jiya, Pamma's former love interest from college, whose role highlights themes of unfulfilled dreams and the possibility of second chances within family and romantic contexts. Roopi Gill makes her acting debut as Noor, the school teacher who supports the Bhangra team at her nephew's school, bringing energy to the community dynamics. In supporting roles, portrays Vikram, a elder who provides guidance and stability within the household. Sehaj Sahib appears as Agam, Pamma's nephew whose discovery sparks the story. plays Pritam Singh Pandori, a Bhangra coach offering . contributes to the ensemble as another Bhangra coach, enhancing the cultural elements of the story. The casting emphasized Punjabi diaspora actors to ensure cultural authenticity, with principal roles filled by performers rooted in Punjabi heritage, including Gill's preparation to authentically represent the community's experiences in .

Music and Soundtrack

Composition

The of Ashke was composed by Jatinder Shah, who crafted a score that fuses traditional Bhangra rhythms, characterized by prominent beats, with contemporary Punjabi pop elements to evoke cultural nostalgia and energy. This musical style aligns with the film's thematic focus on Bhangra as a unifying cultural force, briefly tying into the narrative's exploration of dance's role in personal and communal identity. The album consists of five original tracks, released by Rhythm Boyz Entertainment on July 24, 2018, with vocals by artists such as , , , , and Rakesh Maini. The total runtime approximates 18 minutes, emphasizing melodic hooks and rhythmic pulses suitable for the film's dance-centric sequences. In the film, the soundtrack is integrated into key Bhangra performance scenes, where it propels emotional highs and cultural expressions, enhancing the vibrancy of family dynamics and comedic moments without overpowering the dialogue. The score's production prioritized an accessible, flowing rhythm that complements the story's lighthearted tone.

Track Listing

The soundtrack of Ashke consists of five original songs, blending traditional Punjabi folk elements with contemporary beats, primarily composed by and Davvy Singh. All lyrics are credited to various writers including Raj Ranjodh, Harmanjeet, Surinder Sadhpuri, and Bunty Bains, with specific attributions noted per track.
No.TitleDurationSinger(s)Music ComposerLyrics
1Ashke Boliyan2:11Raj Ranjodh
2Ashke Title Song2:12Harmanjeet
3Bholepan3:57Rakesh MainiSurinder Sadhpuri
4Handsome Jatta2:48Davvy SinghBunty Bains
5Leekan3:36Raj Ranjodh

Release

Theatrical Release

Ashke premiered worldwide in theaters on 27 2018. The film was released simultaneously in , , the , , , and the . Distributed primarily through Rhythm Boyz for overseas markets, the rollout targeted communities in these regions, capitalizing on the film's themes of Bhangra culture and family dynamics to appeal to audiences. In India, Ashke received a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, indicating it was suitable for viewers of all ages with parental guidance for children under 12, aligning with its family-friendly content. The initial marketing campaign featured trailers highlighting the vibrant Bhangra sequences and comedic elements, which were launched on YouTube on 26 July 2018, just one day before the premiere to build last-minute buzz. This strategy emphasized the film's energetic dance numbers and lighthearted narrative to attract both domestic and international viewers familiar with Punjabi traditions.

Home Media and Digital

Following its theatrical run, Ashke received a digital premiere as a free full upload on by Rhythm Boyz Entertainment on November 15, 2018, allowing global accessibility to the complete feature. This release garnered significant viewership, exceeding 88 million views, and highlighted the 's bhangra-centric narrative for online audiences. The later became available for streaming on platforms such as , targeting international viewers with its availability on channels like Chaupal Amazon Channel in select regions including the . Additionally, the soundtrack, composed by Jatinder Shah, was distributed digitally through services like and , featuring tracks such as the title song performed by , which extended the 's cultural reach beyond video-on-demand.

Reception

Box Office Performance

Ashke grossed a total of ₹18 (US$2.1 million) worldwide, positioning it as one of the highest-earning Punjabi films of 2018. The film's success was bolstered by robust overseas performance, particularly among communities, with a strong opening weekend that collected approximately ₹3 globally over its first three days. The earnings were distributed across key markets as follows (estimates from trade reports):
MarketGross (₹ crore)
5.94
2.6
1.27
0.54
7.65
Australia's contribution of approximately ₹2.6 aligned with reported figures of $379,988, while New Zealand added about ₹0.54 from $57,038. In international markets, Ashke surpassed contemporaries such as Laavan Phere, which earned $337,086 overseas, highlighting its superior appeal to global Punjabi audiences.

Critical Reception

Ashke received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its vibrant depiction of Bhangra and heartfelt storytelling. In a review published by The Tribune, the film was commended for its energetic Bhangra choreography that captures the essence of Punjabi , as well as Amrinder Gill's natural and charming performance as the Pamma. The same review highlighted the movie's emotional depth, blending subtle romance and family dynamics in a way that resonates with audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment. Critics also appreciated the film's authentic portrayal of , striking a balance between humor and familial warmth, particularly in its dance sequences that serve as emotional anchors. The integration of and was noted for keeping the narrative engaging without overwhelming the cultural focus. On , the film holds a user rating of 7.1 out of 10, based on approximately 1,600 votes as of 2025, reflecting broad appreciation for these elements among viewers. However, some reviews pointed to shortcomings, including a predictable plot that follows familiar tropes in and occasional melodrama that borders on excess. The Tribune specifically critiqued the uneven pacing in non-dance scenes, suggesting the film feels somewhat half-baked in its execution despite its strengths, which could affect its overall flow. Overall, the consensus positions Ashke as a feel-good entertainer that elevates 's global appeal through its celebration of Bhangra and relatable themes, though it is tempered by narrative predictability.

Awards and Nominations

Ashke received industry recognition primarily through nominations and wins at major Punjabi film award ceremonies, underscoring its contributions to contemporary . The film and its cast earned accolades at the PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2019 and the Brit Asia TV Punjabi Film Awards 2019. At the PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2019, won Best Actor (Critics) for his lead role as Pamma, a former Bhangra dancer navigating personal and familial challenges. The film received nominations for Best Actor (), Best Supporting Actress (), Best Supporting Actor (Sarabjit Cheema), Best Debut Female (), and Best Song of the Year ("Handsome Jatta"). The Brit Asia TV Punjabi Film Awards 2019 honored Ashke with six nominations, including Best Film, Best Actor (Amrinder Gill), Best Actress (Sanjeeda Sheikh), Best Director (Amberdeep Singh), Best Supporting Actress (Roopi Gill and Avy Randhawa), and Best Debut Performance. Roopi Gill won Best Supporting Actress for her role. Across these events, Ashke accumulated a total of 11 nominations and two wins, reflecting its cultural significance within the Punjabi awards circuit and appreciation for its blend of comedy, drama, and Bhangra elements. The recognitions emphasized standout cast performances, particularly Gill's nuanced portrayal central to the film's narrative.

References

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