We should not run away from the truth, says Manmohan Singh on his film PR

Written and directed by Manmohan Singh, the Punjabi-language feature PR [Permanent Resident] starring singer-actor Harbhajan Mann examines certain truths behind settling abroad and the reality on the ground. The film marks the comeback of Mann, who had been on a long hiatus. 

PR traces the journey of a man who travels from Punjab to Canada in search of someone. He is looking for his beloved, who had emigrated from the state, like thousands of Punjabis every year. However, the journey entails a move away from the culture and ethos of the land.

In an exclusive interview, the filmmaker spoke about the impetus for making the film, saying, “The reality of Punjab is that the state is becoming empty. Everyone is running abroad. Earlier the boys were going abroad; now the girls are migrating. Also, earlier people would go after gaining a bit of experience and studying here but now, they are moving there at a young age, just after completing Class 12.

"The situation there [abroad] is quite scary. A young child, who does not know much about the world, going abroad is vulnerable, they have no security [of family and loved ones] there and they have to do jobs while studying… There are certain harsh realities about what is happening and truth be told, I have shown only a small portion of what is happening.”

Known for his socially conscious films, Singh is noted for weaving together music and elements of glamour with a social message. In his latest film, he tries to bring forth the circumstances and the immense financial, emotional and mental strain that our people face when they reach the land of their dreams.

While emphasizing the problem, Singh also searches for an answer. “I have tried to bring about an awareness [in the film] in a positive way for the parents, students and for the Punjabis who are based abroad. If there is a problem that our children are facing abroad, our people there can help and support them. Our community extends itself to people around the world, with sewa [charity] and langar [free kitchen], they can help these young people as well. We did not wish to bring in any negativity but wanted to put forth what is the reality.”

PR trailer: A film about Canadian dreams and Punjabi culture

In recent times, the Punjabi film industry has seen a range of content from issue-based films like Yes I am Student (2021) and Aaja Mexico Challiye (2022) while action films portraying uber-masculinity, and glorifying violence have also been on the rise.

Speaking about this content, Singh said, “Young people react to what they see and when they watch [certain films] they start thinking that this is all normal. Through social media and television now they feel that what will we achieve by studying since we will not find any jobs. Along with that, there is experimentation with substances, which gradually becomes a habit.

"There is also an increase in the culture of violence and alcohol consumption. All of this affects young children a lot, especially the youth. We need to be responsible. I agree that we have to earn our bread and butter through the industry but along with this, we have a huge responsibility because what we say [through films] reaches so many people. Socially, we have a responsibility to not portray any ills.”

Manmohan Singh’s family films such as Jee Aayan Nu (2002), Dil Apna Punjabi (2006), Mitti Wajaan Maardi (2007) and Mera Pind (2008) foregrounded certain values and engaged with socially relevant themes.

Contemplating the role of cinema within society, he said, “Cinema reflects what is happening in society and it is true that if we keep drilling the same thing over and over the people will get affected… But there is also a change that is coming about in society and we all have a responsibility with regard to what is happening in the state. There is unemployment and a strange frustration in young people. No one wants to study seriously. They just want to go abroad, get a PR and that’s it. We have to realize these problems and face them.”

Although Mann and Singh came together after a long break, it did not seem like so much time had passed. “We felt that it is just a continuation of the same thread that we have been working on for so many years,” described Singh.

The veteran filmmaker is now thinking about his next film, which he says will be based on a farmer and his life.