Manje Bistre

Manje Bistre is a lively 2017 Punjabi film directed by Baljit Singh Deo and features Gippy Grewal, Sonam Bajwa, and Karamjit Anmol in lead roles. Produced by Gippy Grewal himself, the film's narrative boasts of an intriguing storyline that is brilliant in terms of its concept and execution. Elaborately filmed to echo the traditional Punjabi culture, Manje Bistre is a delightful blend of comedy and romance that keenly presents an adorable love story amidst a glimmering backdrop of a typical Punjabi wedding.

In the heart of the story is Sukhi, played by Gippy Grewal, a cheerful and carefree young man. An incident of humor, warmth, and love intertwined, the story is set in 1990s Punjab, which adds a nostalgic touch of simplicity and beauty to the plot. Sukhi is assigned to collect bedding assets from people around the countryside, known as 'manje-bistre'. This task for an upcoming wedding where he falls for Rano, played by Sonam Bajwa. While the story unfolds to tease out this romantic interest, the mischiefs and fun that are associated with traditional Punjabi weddings serve as a compelling undercurrent to the movie, dishing out a hearty dose of laughter.

Manje Bistre takes a refreshing take on rom-coms. The humor is effortless and cheeky, and is not forced into the narrative merely for the sake of punch lines. Sukhi's character is rather charming as he often finds himself embroiled in comic situations. On the other hand, Rano's role is reflective of a typical Punjabi belle who is independent yet sweet and simple. The subtle banter between Sukhi and Rano, followed by their brewing romance, is truely enticing, infusing the movie with an honest, feel-good vibe.

Gippy Grewal gives a commendable performance as Sukhi. He effortlessly transitions between a prankster and a passionate lover, embodying the charm that the character requires. Sonam Bajwa shines in her portrayal of Rano, demonstrating the grace and strength of her character simultaneously. Together, Grewal and Bajwa share an undeniable chemistry on-screen and bring their characters to life. Not to forget, Karamjit Anmol's comic timing is another critical element that infuses the narrative with spark and punch.

The screenplay of Manje Bistre stays loyal to the essence of Punjabi tradition and culture. Scenes are shot in typical Punjab settings – sprawling green farmlands, rustic countrysides, and old-fashioned households. Each scene, each dialect spoken, and each attire adored by the characters reflect the true, colorful spirit of Punjab, enabling the audience to feel the richness and diversity of Punjabi culture. The film is further complemented by a soundtrack that beautifully blends with the storyline, with songs that are sure to make one groove and feel the pulsating Punjabi energy.

Director Baljit Singh Deo deserves credit for his terrific direction. With a keen eye for details, he manages to keep the storyline crisp and gripping. He successfully maintains a delicate balance between the romantic angle and comedy, never letting one overshadow the other. The direction ensures that every character is uniquely etched and contributes effectively to the storyline, preventing the film from becoming a one-man show.

Despite being heavily inclined towards humor and a romantic tale, Manje Bistre manages to touch upon some real-life issues subtly. It talks about the changes in traditional norms, the shift in people's attitudes, and the transformation of societal practices over time. It highlights a young man's struggle to win over his lover's family, thus exploring the challenges of conventional courtship.

To sum up, Manje Bistre is a juggernaut of unadulterated entertainment that seizes your attention from the opening scene to the end. Showcasing a rather simple yet compelling storyline, fantastic performances, and ample laughter-induced moments, it excellently captures the vibrancy and charm of a Punjabi wedding. The film is a must-watch for those who enjoy light-hearted cinema with an essence of Punjabi culture and are fans of romantic comedies. It is a delightful concoction of love, comedy, and tradition.