Now, a celluloid war on drug menace in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Fed on a staple diet of expansive lifestyles of NRIs and mushy campus romances, Punjabi films seem to have come of age – a new film by US-based Punjabi producer-director, featuring Punjabi singer Lakhwinder Wadali, will focus on a serious aspect of life in the state — rampant drug abuse, sending a strong message to the youth.
'Cheevan Dariya' (the sixth river) will focus on what went wrong with a prosperous state that had everything going but now is a mute witness to its youth falling prey to addiction."I don't know why things are going awry in Punjab. The land where milk was the only addiction, is no longer what it used to be. Now, we get to hear that every tenth house here is high on drug addiction," says Lakhwinder Wadali, son of famous sufi singer Puran Chand Wadali.
Producer-director Ish Amitoj Kaur was struck with the theme of this film long ago when she assisted the production of the critically acclaimed film, 'Pinjar.' "I wouldn't want a label for my film. Instead, I want people should get to know that our system is so hollow that it has not been able to curb the insidious drug menace. My film points a finger at corruption which is becoming rampant in Punjab," says Ish, who produced 'Kambadi Kalai' in 2006.
The plot revolves around two friends who help each other to get over drug addiction. Another actor in the film, Manpreet Singh, who acted in the Punjabi film 'Sat Sri Akal' says, "I was excited when the role was offered to me. I would love to do anything that can contribute towards the betterment of Punjab."
Wadali has also rendered a song in the film along with his illustrious father. "I try to form songs which highlight the problems of Punjab. I would love to send a special message so that the younger generation understands that we come from a sound culture, which can't just be ruined like this."
The film also features an actress from US, Christa Cannon. "It's her first Punjabi movie and she plays a very strong and different role," says Wadali, adding, "it's our responsibility to sensitize people about the real issues than flaunting the wealth of NRIs."
The film is shot in Malerkotla and Ludhiana in Punjab, and also features a UK-based music band, Tiger Style.