Raj Kundra on Punjab films: 'Many substantial stories haven't reached screens'
Synopsis
Raj Kundra isn't chasing roles — he's chasing stories. With 'The Great Punjab Robbery' set for a worldwide release on 7 August, the actor-entrepreneur says Punjab's untold narratives are his real draw, and a pan-India home production is already in the pipeline.
Key Takeaways
Raj Kundra has expressed strong interest in Punjab-centric cinema, citing many untold regional stories.
His next film, 'The Great Punjab Robbery' , directed by Saurabh Varma , releases worldwide on 7 August .
The project was originally planned before his debut film 'Mehar' but was delayed due to lack of finance and producers.
Kundra made his Punjabi film debut with 'Mehar' , released on 5 September 2025 , alongside Geeta Basra and Navdeep Bajwa .
His next project after 'The Great Punjab Robbery' will reportedly be a pan-India home production .
Actor and entrepreneur Raj Kundra has spoken candidly about his growing commitment to Punjab-centric cinema, saying the region holds a wealth of untold stories that deserve a wider audience. The remarks come ahead of his next Punjabi film release on 7 August.
What Kundra Said
In a recent statement, Kundra was clear that commercial calculation is not driving his choices. 'I am not pushing myself to do any extra roles for the sake of it. For me, what matters is the meaning behind what I am doing. Situational projects and roles that are age-centric are attracting me. There are so many substantial stories in Punjab that have not made it to the screens yet,' he said.
The remarks signal a deliberate creative pivot — away from mainstream Bollywood fare and toward regional, character-driven narratives rooted in Punjabi culture and lived experience.
The Great Punjab Robbery: How It Came Together
Kundra's next film, 'The Great Punjab Robbery', written and directed by Saurabh Varma, is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August. The project, he revealed, was originally conceived before his debut film but could not move forward due to financial constraints. 'This film was supposed to be my first one with Saurabh Varma before Mehar. But at that time, we didn't have finance or producers. But the story connected to me. After I did Mehar, several producers approached me. We discussed The Great Punjab Robbery, and that's how they came onboard,' Kundra said.
The film carries an explicit cultural message — 'the idea is to spread a thought that let's make Punjab great again,' according to Kundra.
Debut and Background
Kundra made his Punjabi film debut with 'Mehar', released on 5 September 2025. The film followed Karamjit Singh, a rural Punjabi man and theatre actor navigating family hardship, personal dignity, and the search for a second chance. The cast included Geeta Basra as Simi, alongside Navdeep Bajwa, Savita Bhatti, Rupinder Rupi, and Baninder Bunny in key roles.
What Comes Next
Beyond 'The Great Punjab Robbery', Kundra has hinted at a home production described as a pan-India film, though he has not shared further details. The progression — from debut to a pre-planned regional project to a pan-India production — suggests a structured, if understated, entry into filmmaking on his own terms.
Whether the bet on Punjab-centric storytelling translates into box-office traction will become clearer after the 7 August release.
Point of View
Culturally rooted stories can travel far beyond their home markets. His framing — 'meaning over roles' — is the language of someone building a content identity, not just an acting resume. The real question is whether 'The Great Punjab Robbery' can do what 'Mehar' may not have fully achieved: establish him as a credible creative force in regional cinema, not merely a crossover celebrity trying his luck. A pan-India home production waiting in the wings suggests he is already thinking beyond validation from a single market.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'The Great Punjab Robbery' and when does it release?
'The Great Punjab Robbery' is a Punjabi film written and directed by Saurabh Varma, starring Raj Kundra. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August.
What was Raj Kundra's Punjabi film debut?
Raj Kundra made his Punjabi film debut with 'Mehar', released on 5 September 2025. The film featured him as Karamjit Singh, a rural Punjabi theatre actor, alongside Geeta Basra, Navdeep Bajwa, and others.
Why was 'The Great Punjab Robbery' delayed?
According to Kundra, the film was originally planned before 'Mehar' but could not proceed at that time due to a lack of financing and producers. After the success of 'Mehar', producers came on board and the project moved forward.
What is Raj Kundra's next project after 'The Great Punjab Robbery'?
Kundra has said his next film will be a home production and a pan-India film, though he has not disclosed further details about the project.
Why is Raj Kundra focused on Punjab-centric films?
Kundra has said he is drawn to meaningful, situationally relevant stories rather than roles taken for their own sake. He believes Punjab has many substantial stories that have not yet reached cinema screens.
