As Ammy Virk braces himself for the big release of his debut Dharma Productions film ‘Bad Newz’, the anticipation is palpable among his fans and movie-goers alike. The film, directed by Anand Tiwari and also starring Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri, is set to hit theaters on July 19. For those who may not be familiar with Virk’s illustrious career, here’s an exploration of some of his most acclaimed films.
First on the list is ‘Kudi Haryane Val Di’. Directed by Rakesh Dhawan, the film stars Ammy Virk alongside Sonam Bajwa. The storyline focuses on a Punjabi man disinterested in wrestling who falls head over heels for a Haryanvi woman, who happens to be highly passionate about the sport. In his quest to win her heart, he immerses himself in the world of wrestling, striving to understand and share her love for the game. This film showcases Virk’s ability to blend romance and sports into a compelling narrative.
Before making waves with ‘Bad Newz’, Ammy also shone brightly in the Bollywood sphere with ’83’. This Kabir Khan-directed film recounts the historic win of the Indian cricket team at the World Cup. Virk played the role of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, the cricketer, sharing the screen with renowned actors such as Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Wamiqa Gabbi. The movie was widely appreciated for its nostalgic recount of an unforgettable chapter in Indian sports history.
‘Maurh’, a period drama directed by Jatinder Mauhar, is another feather in Virk’s cap. Set against the backdrop of pre-partition Punjab, the film delves into the lives of Jeon and Kishna Maurh, who rise up against the oppressive British and zamindars. Virk portrays Jeona, who takes up arms following the execution of his brother by British forces. ‘Maurh’ is a story rich in revenge, betrayal, and valour, and Virk’s performance as Jeona adds significant gravitas to the film.
Virk’s versatility is further evident in the Punjabi rom-com ‘Oye Makhna’. Directed by Simerjit Singh, the film stars Ammy Virk, Guggu Gill, and Sidhika Sharma. Virk’s character, Makhna, falls in love solely based on a girl’s eyes. With the help of his uncle, he tries to woo her. However, a misunderstanding leads to his uncle fixing him up with the wrong girl, resulting in a series of comic confusions that add to the film’s light-hearted charm.
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‘Qismat’, directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, is the first installment in a much-loved romantic drama series launched in 2018. The film stars Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta, alongside supporting actors Guggu Gill, Tania, and Harby Sangha. Virk’s character finds himself in a romantic entanglement with a woman he meets during his studies in Chandigarh. This complicates his life, as he is already betrothed to another. The film explores the intricate emotions and dilemmas that arise from this love triangle.
Returning to the ‘Qismat’ series, ‘Qismat 2’, released in 2021, continues the tale of Shivjit (played by Ammy Virk) and Bani (Sargun Mehta). In this sequel, Shivjit’s love remains unreciprocated by Bani. However, fate intervenes years later, offering him another chance at love. This reflective take on lost love and second chances resonated deeply with audiences, reinforcing the franchise’s popularity.
In ‘Angrej’, a 2015 Punjabi historical romance directed by Simerjit Singh, the focus shifts to an older era – the waning years of the British Raj. Virk plays a supporting role in this film that stars Amrinder Gill and Sargun Mehta as protagonists belonging to disparate social classes. The film is a poignant portrayal of love amidst societal constraints and historical turmoil.
Another notable inclusion is ‘Ardaas’. Directed by Gippy Grewal, this film is grounded in the moral and spiritual teachings of Sikhism. The story revolves around Master Gurmukh (played by Gurpreet Ghuggi) who arrives at a new village on a government school posting. He aids villagers by instilling virtuous values while contending with his inner guilt. Ammy Virk’s character, Agyapal Singh, is part of this ensemble, providing depth and resonance to this soulful narrative. A sequel titled ‘Ardaas Karaan’ further examines these themes.
As Ammy Virk stands on the brink of wider recognition with ‘Bad Newz’, it’s clear that his journey through Punjabi cinema to Bollywood has been marked by compelling storytelling and memorable performances. Whether in a sports drama, a period piece, a rom-com, or a spiritual journey, Virk’s cinematic repertoire warrants attention and appreciation. As audiences await ‘Bad Newz’, the films listed above offer a great way to get acquainted with the many shades of Ammy Virk.
