Malvi Malhotra on Dama Dum Mast Kalandar: 'It confronts a reality we ignore'
Synopsis
Malvi Malhotra calls her upcoming Punjabi film Dama Dum Mast Kalandar a 'confrontation with reality' — a comedy-drama that dares audiences to face a social issue they already know exists but choose to ignore. With a rare boldly outspoken female lead and a release set for 22 May, the film is positioning itself as more than a genre entertainer.
Key Takeaways
Malvi Malhotra stars in Punjabi comedy-drama Dama Dum Mast Kalandar , releasing in theatres on 22 May .
She plays Jasmine , described as outspoken and bold — a character type she says is rare in Punjabi cinema.
The film is directed by Sukhvir Singh and produced by Starmoon Film Productions in association with Chakora Productions .
Malhotra describes the film's theme in one word: 'self-awareness' — about confronting realities people know but choose to ignore.
The cast also includes King B Chouhan , Anita Devgan , Rupinder Rupi , and several others in pivotal roles.
Actress Malvi Malhotra is gearing up for her Punjabi debut alongside actor-singer King B Chouhan in the situational comedy-drama Dama Dum Mast Kalandar, set to release in theatres on 22 May. Malhotra says the film resonates with her because it 'addresses a very important social issue' — one she believes audiences rarely confront head-on.
Why Malvi Said Yes
'I was really excited about this project because it addresses a very important social issue,' Malhotra said. 'It forms a significant part of the film and creates a strong impact when the audience watches it. Also, all the characters have been portrayed really well, which made it even more special for me.'
The actress plays Jasmine, a character she describes as 'extremely vocal about what she wants.' She noted that such boldly outspoken female characters are relatively rare in Punjabi cinema, which made the role particularly compelling. 'This kind of character is not very common in the Punjabi industry, so I felt it was a great opportunity and something I should definitely take up,' she added.
The Film's Core Message
Asked to distil the film's essence into a single word, Malhotra chose 'self-awareness'. 'It's about doing something for a cause,' she said, elaborating that the narrative weaves together themes of maternal love, patriotism, and personal responsibility.
'There are many things we are aware of in real life, but we choose not to acknowledge them. We know they exist, but we don't want to face them. This film is like a confrontation with that reality — it makes you realise that we often don't act on what we already know,' she explained.
About the Film and Its Cast
Dama Dum Mast Kalandar is directed by Sukhvir Singh and produced by Starmoon Film Productions in association with Chakora Productions. The film is described as a quirky yet emotional story rooted in friendship and struggle.
The ensemble cast includes Anita Devgan, Rupinder Rupi, Mintu Kapa, Sukhdev Barnala, Manpreet Singh, Pritish Narula, Sammy Gill, and Pahulpreet Singh in pivotal roles.
Malvi Malhotra's Screen Journey
Malhotra is a familiar face across television and regional cinema, with credits including Udaan, Hotel Milan, Zorawar Di Jacqueline, Abhiyuham, Thiragabadara Saami, and Jenma Natchathiram. Dama Dum Mast Kalandar marks a significant step as she enters the Punjabi film space with a character that pushes against conventional portrayals of women on screen.
The film hits theatres on 22 May.
Point of View
But boldly outspoken female characters remain the exception rather than the rule — which is precisely why Malhotra's framing of Jasmine is worth noting. The film's marketing leans heavily on the 'social issue' hook without naming the issue, a deliberate tease that could drive curiosity or frustrate audiences expecting specificity. If the film delivers on its promise of self-awareness over spectacle, it could carve a niche in a market crowded with action and romance. The real test will be whether the message lands without the comedy undercutting it.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dama Dum Mast Kalandar about?
Dama Dum Mast Kalandar is a Punjabi situational comedy-drama directed by Sukhvir Singh that tells a quirky yet emotional story rooted in friendship and struggle. According to actress Malvi Malhotra, the film centres on self-awareness and addresses an important social issue, weaving in themes of maternal love and patriotism.
When does Dama Dum Mast Kalandar release in theatres?
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on 22 May 2025.
Who plays the lead roles in Dama Dum Mast Kalandar?
Malvi Malhotra and actor-singer King B Chouhan lead the film. The supporting cast includes Anita Devgan, Rupinder Rupi, Mintu Kapa, Sukhdev Barnala, Manpreet Singh, Pritish Narula, Sammy Gill, and Pahulpreet Singh.
Who is Malvi Malhotra?
Malvi Malhotra is an actress known for her work in television and regional cinema, with credits including Udaan, Hotel Milan, Zorawar Di Jacqueline, Abhiyuham, Thiragabadara Saami, and Jenma Natchathiram. Dama Dum Mast Kalandar marks her entry into Punjabi films.
What social issue does Dama Dum Mast Kalandar address?
The film's cast and makers have not publicly named the specific social issue, but Malhotra has described it as something audiences are already aware of yet choose not to confront. She says the film acts as a 'confrontation with that reality.'
