Punjabi cinema is preparing for an ambitious international production as director and producer Pawan Kumar Chouhan and PRC Production Inc. introduce their upcoming feature film, Bhole Da Viah, in New York. The project’s launch celebration took place on October 6, 2026, bringing together entertainment personalities, public officials, and representatives of the South Asian media community. The production is planned to be filmed entirely in New York, highlighting the growing opportunities for Punjabi storytelling beyond India.
Elaine Phillips, Nassau County comptroller and former New York State senator, attended the event as the chief guest. Bollywood actress Riya Sen also traveled from Mumbai to participate in the launch. Sen is reuniting with Chouhan after their earlier collaboration on Highway 905. For the new project, she will portray a Bengali character created specifically for the film, offering an opportunity to bring Punjabi and Bengali cultural elements together on screen.
The cast also includes acclaimed actress Upasana Singh, alongside Nanak Singh, Zulqarnain Sikander, Amit Chouhan, Qaiser Piya, and other performers. The production team has conducted auditions in New York, New Jersey, and Indiana, while also inviting talent to participate through virtual auditions across the United States. This approach is expected to give performers from different locations an opportunity to become part of the project.
Chouhan has previously presented his cinematic work at Marché du Film, the international film market held alongside the Cannes Film Festival in France. His latest project builds on that international exposure, with the aim of introducing Punjabi cinema to a wider audience. According to the production plans, the inaugural ceremony and initial filming are scheduled for December 2026, followed by another shooting phase in March 2027.
The launch attracted a broad group of media representatives from South Asian television, newspapers, and digital platforms. Attendees included Sunil Hali of The Indian EYE and Radio Zindagi Network, Harish Goyal of Zee TV Americas, Ritesh Parikh of Awesome TV, and representatives of several Punjabi, Urdu, and other South Asian media organizations. Their participation reflected the interest surrounding the production within the regional entertainment and media community.
The evening also featured a screening of I Have a Gun, an award-recognized short film produced by PRC Production. Organizers presented appreciation awards to artists and media representatives and highlighted the company’s previous filmmaking projects. The celebration was sponsored by Jawad of Mehfil Restaurant.
For Chouhan and PRC Production, Bhole Da Viah represents an effort to expand Punjabi filmmaking through international collaboration and local talent. With production preparations underway and a multicultural cast assembled, the project aims to create a new opportunity for Punjabi storytelling in New York while connecting audiences across cultural backgrounds.
