Plot & Setting
Set in 1986 Punjab, Gangland chronicles the disintegration of friendship between two childhood companions, Sultan and Hakam, who initially co‑run a six-member robbery gang. Their split over ambition versus withdrawal spirals into a brutal feud, drawing in rival factions and igniting a violent underworld war. While inspired by the 2018 web series Gangland in Motherland, the feature adaptation brings greater cinematic scope and emotional heft MT Wiki Blog+12Wikipedia+12Indian Community+12.
Direction & Cinematic Style
Director Savio Sandhu pushes Punjabi cinema into grittier terrain, weaving impeccable pacing with explosive fight and chase sequences. The film’s visual style—dusky streets, neon-lit backdrops, atmospheric rural interiors—conveys a raw, authentic underworld tone reminiscent of Gangs of Wasseypur while standing distinctly on its own merit Chaupal+3Indian Community+3Wikipedia+3. The editing keeps tension tight, though a few scenes linger longer than necessary, slightly halting momentum.
Performances & Characters
The ensemble cast delivers memorable portrayals:
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Sippy Gill as Sultan anchors the narrative with conflicted loyalty and inner turmoil.
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Nishawn Bhullar as Hakam brings brooding intensity and vulnerability, especially as the rivalry deepens.
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Vadda Grewal, Kul Sidhu, Hobby Dhaliwal, and Amiek Virk contribute powerful support, injecting attitude, menace, and emotional weight into their roles Indian CommunityReddit+12Punjabi Mania+12Indian Community+12.
However, certain supporting characters lack depth—screen time is limited and arcs sometimes feel formulaic, with minimal development beyond surface-level traits.
Soundtrack & Sound Design
The music suits the film’s tone. Tracks such as “City Gangland” (Deep Jandu & Mijaz), “Jail” (Labh Heera), and the title number by Guri Lahoria amplify the film’s urban energy. The score underpins key turning points, elevating emotional and action beats alike without ever overwhelming them Reddit+11Indian Community+11Wikipedia+11.
Strengths
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A tightly textured crime narrative with betrayal, loyalty, and ambition at its core.
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Gritty cinematography and setting bring Punjab’s dark underbelly to life.
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Strong acting from Gill and Bhullar anchors the emotional stakes.
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High production values for Punjabi cinema: authentic action, editing, soundscape, and production design converge for impact.
Weaknesses
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A few pacing issues—some sequences feel drawn out.
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Minor characters aren’t fully fleshed out, weakening the ensemble’s balance.
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Plot occasionally leans on genre conventions, providing fewer surprises than expected.
Comparisons & Influence
Critics likened Gangland to Gangs of Wasseypur for its grounded tone and layering of violence, ambition, and power struggle — but note that Gangland builds its identity firmly within Punjabi cultural context, carving its own path rather than replicating OTTPlay+9Indian Community+9Wikipedia+9.
Reception & Cultural Impact
Released theatrically on April 25, 2025, Gangland generated considerable buzz for its bold exploration of crime in regional cinema. Reviews called it a watershed moment for Punjabi film, praising its energy and fearless vision Wikipedia. Box‑office performance was modest—reportedly around ₹1.1 crore net in India on a ₹10 crore budget—but its cultural resonance appears stronger than raw numbers suggest bbfc.co.uk+15MT Wiki Blog+15Reddit+15.
Overall Verdict
Gangland: The City of Crime represents a bold, necessary shift in Punjabi filmmaking. It’s uncompromising, violent, yet emotionally charged—offering a character-driven crime story that refuses to romanticize. Sippy Gill and Nishawn Bhullar elevate the material, while the director’s vision and technical craft mark this as one of Punjabi cinema’s most ambitious efforts. A must-watch for fans of gritty, intelligently executed crime dramas—even if it occasionally relies on genre tropes.
