This film about illegal immigrants surviving in Pakistan became a sleeper smash. With Amrinder Gill leading a massive ensemble cast, it showed the power of relatable, gritty comedy-drama. It was such a hit that it spawned two sequels, but the first remains the purest.

Diljit Dosanjh broke the genre ceiling by playing a ghost-hunter. Despite mixed reviews, its sheer star power, catchy music ("Punjab"), and visual scale made it one of the highest-grossing Punjabi films ever, turning Diljit into a pan-Indian star.

Punjabi cinema has evolved from heartfelt village tales to high-octane action and global comedy. While there are countless blockbusters, these represent the industry's biggest waves at the box office and in pop culture.