Ammy Virk challenges stereotypes: How many Bollywood films did Gippy Grewal or Amrinder Gill do… yet they are superstars - Exclusive

Punjabi music and artists have broken the regional barriers and have placed themselves on the global map. However, there prevails a stereotype that Bollywood is the ultimate benchmark of success for Punjabi artists. Ammy Virk in his exclusive conversation with ETimes discussed the misconception and shared insights into the flourishing Punjabi film industry.
“I still haven't stepped properly in Bollywood. Gippy paji (Gippy Grewal) ne konsi ki hai Bollywood ki filme, Amrinder Gill ne konsi ki hai (how many Bollywood films did Gippy Grewal or Amrinder Gill do? )Tarsem Jassar, Gurnam Bhullar, Jayy Randhawa, Dev Kharoud, how many Hindi films did they do? Yet, they all are superstars. And they are working so well that their movie openings are crossing crores. They are doing 3 or 4 films per year, obviously, they are superstars that is why they are doing it. So yes, it is just a stereotype,” Ammy remarked, emphasizing the achievements of his peers within the Punjabi film industry.
Ammy was recently in Delhi for the promotion of his latest movie ‘Kudi Haryane Val Di,’ whose trailer launch was done in Mumbai. The decision to launch the trailer in Mumbai was a strategic move aimed at reaching a broader audience. “In this movie, there is Punjabi, Haryanvi, also Sonam Bajwa is a national crush, so imagine how beneficial it will be for us when we tell people that Sonam's movie is coming,” Ammy explained, highlighting the film's diverse appeal.
Sonam Bajwa, who stars alongside Ammy in the film, blushed at the mention of her 'national crush' status. Responding to her humble query about this stature, Ammy quipped, “There's national in front of it, it is no less than a national award.” He then affectionately added, “The entire nation loves you”

Returning to the topic of Bollywood, Ammy addressed the significance of releasing the movie trailer in Mumbai. “Who would not want to cater to a new audience, and there's a lot of Punjabi audience in Bombay,” he said, acknowledging the presence of a substantial Punjabi community.
Ammy dispelled the myth that success for Punjabi movies hinges on their acceptance in Mumbai or Bollywood. “No one should believe that if a Punjabi movie goes to Bombay then only it will get success. Punjabi movies have been reaching Bombay forever, my debut film 'Angrej,' which came out around 8-9 years ago, was also launched in Bombay,” he concluded, reflecting on his own successful journey in the industry.
Ammy Virk's perspectives shed light on the robust and dynamic nature of the Punjabi film industry. His words underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating regional cinema's achievements on its own merits, rather than comparing them to Bollywood's standards. As a step in the same direction, he has come up with his new movie ‘Kudi Haryane Val Di’. Showcasing a cross-cultural love story, the film is headlined by Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa. Further, written and directed by Rakesh Dhawan, it is set to release on June 14, 2024.