To be or not to be

With Munde UK De,I’m drawing a comparison between two cultures,directs Manmohan Singh

Every time you catch the promo or surf the papers and the Internet,somewhere,you wish it’s different this time. Because when you’ve been fed a creamy layer of NRIs frequenting the state like it’s next door pind,and boys packing their bags for greener pastures abroad (with absolutely no visa hassles),then you desperately look for a change. “And that’s what we are giving you,” assures director Manmohan Singh,who’s back with Munde UK De which is releasing on May 8. “Fortunately,the regional cinema is not affected to that extent with the recent lockdown between the producers and multiplex owners. We are releasing on time,” says the director who vows it’s a complete entertainer that he’s giving to us,and not the regular issue-based drama. “It’s not a brainless entertainer. It has its moments and points to ponder on,but yes,the crux is entertainment and the confusion and dilemma that the youth of today faces,” he reels. See,Munde UK De,a pretty catchy title,is about drawing comparisons between the British life and the Indian Punjabi life. “Indian children abroad have adjusted themselves to that system,and they are independent,take their own decisions be it work,marriage et al,and live life according to their terms. This consciousness and need for responsibility is arising in our society too,and youngsters want to take charge,want to decide on their own and not be tied down. At the same time,they are rooted and dislike going against their family…the film basically throws light on this,” narrates Singh,his entire energy focused on this project.

Starring his favourite Jimmy Shergill,Amrinder Gill,Neeru Bajwa,Rana Ranbir,and Gurpreet Ghuggi,Munde UK De is the story of two British born Punjabi boys who visit Punjab for the first time and fall in love. “They find it very difficult to win over the girls here because of their typical British attitude….it’s very interesting to see how they adapt themselves to Punjabi traditions and win everyone over. Their interactions with the Punjabi youth,their little episodes…it’s the first time that NRIs are seen talking,walking and dressing as typical Britishers,” Manmohan tells about his romantic comedy. Meanwhile,at a function at ITFT – Media and Entertainment Department,Chandigarh,at a curtain raiser Singh,the producer and director of film,and his team were honoured for their outstanding contribution to promoting Punjabi cinema both in the country and overseas.