The Punjabi film Criminal (2022), starring Neeru Bajwa, Dheeraj Kumar, and Prince Kanwaljit Singh, features the latter in a terrifying new avatar.
Directed by first-time filmmaker Garinder Sidhu, the feature is the first to be produced under Gippy Grewal’s new production house, Big Daddy Films.
Dheeraj Kumar shared the action thriller's poster, adding that the film was very special one for him as it marked the debut of his friend Sidhu. He also mentioned his excitement at working with Bajwa. Another reason why the film was special for him was because he was sharing the screen with Singh again. The two were last seen together in Warning (2021).
The trailer begins with Singh speaking in an ominous voice about his love for killing people. A menacing criminal, he plays Barpur Singh Bhoora, whose activities are introduced in several blood-soaked scenes.
Part of a gang of five criminals who escape from police custody, Bhoora and his friends are notorious murderers. As the police is searching for them relentlessly, they take shelter in an apartment where Kumar and Bajwa reside.
The couple seems to go into a kind of a panic room and remain hidden from the wanted men. Trying to figure out a way out of the situation, Bajwa tries to get help to get away from the criminals but faces dire consequences. However, by the end of the trailer, we see her taking charge.
While the first part of the trailer focuses on the violence and bloodshed, it soon moves on to become a captivating suspense. The production values of the film look impressive and the musical score creates the atmosphere of tension.
Singh has some of the most chilling yet witty lines and actor Raghveer Boli brings out the twisted, gruesome facets of his character.
Criminal has shades of David Fincher’s thriller Panic Room (2002) but it remains to be seen how the intriguing premise of the film will unfold. It certainly explores a unique storyline for Punjabi cinema and Bajwa will be seen for the first time in an action thriller as well.
The film, also starring Sukhwinder Chahal, Harbhagwan Singh, Gurnav Deep Singh, Hrishav Sharma and Kavi Singh, is due to be released in theatres on 23 September.
Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.