Shahkot, directed by Rajiv Dhingra, takes us on an emotional journey through the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. With Guru Randhawa, Isha Talwar, and Raj Babbar leading the cast, this Punjabi drama explores love, identity, and the arbitrary boundaries that separate us. Let’s break down the film and see how it fares!

Shahkot Movie Review

Guru Randhawa ‘Shahkot’ was one of the most anticipated Punjabi movies of the year 2024. We have watched this movie on first go and penned this Shahkot movie review for you. Read it to know whether you should invest your money and time on this new Punjabi movie. Here the review begins…

Story & Screenplay

The film tells the story of Iqbal (Guru Randhawa) and Sharafat (Gurshabad Singh), two men trying to escape to foreign lands who meet along the way. When Iqbal mistakenly ends up in Pakistan and is assumed to be from Shahkot, Pakistan, he finds himself hiding in plain sight. He soon becomes entangled with Abbaji (Raj Babbar), a politician who offers him shelter but has plans to marry off his daughter Marvi (Isha Talwar) to someone else. As love sparks between Iqbal and Marvi, he’s left to navigate a tangled web of loyalty, love, and cultural boundaries.

While the premise is unique, the screenplay drags a bit in the second half. Familiar tropes make their way into the story, and while they don’t ruin the experience, they do make certain plot points predictable. The film tries to balance romance with a message of unity, and while it mostly succeeds, the pacing could have been tighter.

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Acting & Performances

Guru Randhawa brings a charming vulnerability to Iqbal, making his character’s struggles feel authentic. Though new to acting, he does a commendable job, even if some moments reveal his inexperience. Isha Talwar lights up the screen as Marvi, her performance exuding both innocence and a subtle inner strength that adds depth to her character. Raj Babbar’s Abbaji is a standout; his commanding presence and nuanced portrayal add gravity to the film, while Gurshabad Singh and Hardeep Gill’s performances offer solid support.

Writing & Direction

Rajiv Dhingra’s direction is heartfelt, with clear intentions to tackle big themes about love and unity. However, the writing stumbles at times, particularly with dialogue that occasionally feels rushed or undercooked, especially for Marvi’s character. There are moments when the story could have gone deeper, and some emotional beats are left underexplored. Yet, Dhingra’s overall direction ensures that the film remains engaging, and his commitment to the message of peace is evident.

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Music & Dialogues

The film’s music is a highlight, with soulful tracks like Afsana Khan’s “Badi Tanhai” setting a poignant mood against the stunning backdrop of Kashmir. Guru Randhawa’s own contributions, like “Maula Meriya” and “Ve Bhedya,” are soothing and beautifully complement the film’s themes. The dialogues, while impactful, sometimes feel hurried, especially in scenes requiring deeper emotional connection. And while the use of Kashmiri dialect adds authenticity, clearer subtitles would have been helpful for non-Kashmiri speakers.

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Conclusion

Shahkot is a heartfelt attempt at telling a cross-border love story, and while it has its flaws, it also has plenty of heart. The film’s exploration of shared cultures and the arbitrary nature of borders makes it a timely watch. With strong performances, beautiful visuals, and music that tugs at the heartstrings, Shahkot delivers a sincere, if somewhat familiar, message: love knows no borders. This is why Team Khelfeed rates Shahkot 4 stars out of 5.

If you’re in the mood for a romantic drama with a deeper message, Shahkot is worth the watch.