Qismat

A single titled Qismat was released by Ammy Virk starring Sargun Mehta in its music video which got huge success and was one of the most successful hits of Ammy Virk.[2] When Jagdeep Sidhu was asked would their be any similarity between film and song, he denied by saying that genre of song was sad whereas film is romedy.[3] The film was written by Jagdeep Sidhu even before the release of song Qismat but was untitled yet. Also, the film was written for Bollywood and was narrated to Sushant Singh Rajput, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Shraddha Kapoor and to leading production houses – Yash Raj, Balaji, T-Series, Dharma by Sidhu but wasn’t working and one of his friend asked Sidhu to make the film in Punjabi.[4] After the film was signed producers suggested Sidhu to direct the film by himself only.[5]

He wanted to direct the film with new lead actors.[6] As, Virk is his old friend and have done many films together before said he would do the film. Then, Tania was being considered as a lead actress but Sidhu wasn’t sure.[4] Sidhu said, “One day Sargun came to meet Ammy and we just shared the film with her. As soon as she heard the script, she wanted to do it.”[4] Sargun wrote, "Jab Jaggi Ne Mujhe yeh film Sunayi thi tabhi Meri Aankhon Mein Aansu they" means "when Jaggi was narrating this film to her she was crying".[7] So, due to similarity in characters and crew of film and song, the film was titled as Qismat. There were also some shooting locations in Chandigarh similar in song and film.[3] In an interview with PTC Punjabi Ammy and Sargun disclosed that they both signed the film just few days after the release of song and only film signed by Sargun releasing in 2018. Her last film Lahoriye was released 16 months ago from Qismat.[8]

The feel of Qismat, the film, is something like the song; it has love and separation so we decided to name the film Qismat.[9]

- Ammy Virk

Qismat was filmed in a single schedule of 45 days in Chandigarh[3] and other villages of Punjab. Principal photography of the film was started on 13 February 2018 at Anandpur Kalud (village in Punjab) and ran till 31 March 2018 where Jalesh Oberoi served as cinematographer.[10][11] The last scene where Bani dies in the hospital was a dilemma for Sidhu and he kept it for filming.[4] And, finally decides to not spoil the originality of the concept and was shot similar to screenplay.[6] Sidhu in an interview described the film experience as “friendly vibe” and “comfortable” for him as compared to his 2019 film Shadaa.[4]

Arjun Rathod served as art director, background score was composed by Gurmeet Singh and Sandeep Saxena whereas post-production was done by Varun Bansal. Choreography for film was done by Mehul Gadani, Arvind Thakur and Sunil Thakur whereas Japneet Dhingra served as costume designer. Qismat was edited by Manish More and its final cut ran for 137 minutes.[12] British Board of Film Classification passed the film uncut of runtime 137 minutes 21 seconds. Overseas distribution rights for the film were acquired by B4U Network Ltd.[13] In India, the film was rated as 'U' category and passed with runtime 140 minutes.[14]

Qismat was released worldwide on 21 September 2018 and distributed by White Hill Studios with major territories India, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. In previous two years, Ammy's two films Nikka Zaildar and Nikka Zaildar 2 in almost end of the September which were hits. So, this film is considered lucky for him and Qismat was also released in the same date.[15]

First look of the film was shared on 14 August,[16][17] then the song "Kaun Hoyega" sung by B Praak was released on 24 August and trailer of the film was released on 30 August by Speed Records and further the other songs of the film were released one by one before release of the film.[5]

Qismat had grossed ₹19.25 crore in India and ₹11.8 crore in other territories,[25] for a worldwide total ₹31.05 crore. It became fifth highest-grossing Punjabi film of all time, as well as second highest-grossing Punjabi film of 2018,[26][27] second highest-grossing film for Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta after their debut Angrej released in 2015.

According to Box Office India Qismat opened very good. The collections of the film were three times Shahid Kapoor's starrer Batti Gul Meter Chalu in cities of Punjab. The film opened as the second highest grosser of 2018 behind Carry On Jatta 2 also the film had eighth highest opening ever for Punjabi films. On its opening day the film grossed ₹2.3 crore and ₹1.8 crore nett in India. It collect ₹2.37 crore on its second day and took a total of ₹4.67 crore in just two days[28][29][30] On its third day film grossed ₹2.66 crore in India making the weekend total ₹7.33 crore.[31][32] According to Bollywood Hungama at overseas, the film performed better than all other Indian releases collecting ₹71.51 lacs at United States, ₹1.27 crore at Canada, ₹44.28 lacs at United Kingdom, ₹55.64 lacs at Australia and ₹17.25 lacs at New Zealand in its opening weekend.[33][34][35][36][37] The film opened as fifth highest opening weekend of all time behind Carry On Jatta 2, Sardaar Ji, Sardaar Ji 2 and Manje Bistre also the film was announced as a huge hit after its weekend by Box Office India. In four days the film netted ₹6.03 crore at domestic box office and the Monday collections dropped just 25% from the good opening day.[38]

In its second weekend, the film dominates even on new releases like Parahuna and Sui Dhaaga in Canada. In 10 days, the film collected est. ₹9 crore at overseas including ₹1.64 crore in US, ₹4.48 crore in Canada, ₹89.28 lacs in UK, ₹1.37 crore in Australia and ₹38.77 lacs in New Zealand.[39][40] The film continued its blockbuster run in third week, till its third weekend film grossed ₹1.95 crore in USA, ₹5.82 crore in Canada, ₹1.24 crore in UK, ₹1.6 crore in Australia and ₹43.86 lacs in New Zealand and remained in top charts in some countries.[25]

Qismat received positive reviews from audience and critics alike. All the cast and crew of the film were praised.[41]

Reviewer of the website BookMyShow titled the film as "Tearjerker". Reviewer adds, "One of the most awaited movies of 2018, Qismat manages to entertain the viewers in all respects. It funny, romantic and sad at the same time. There’s nothing that can stop this one from becoming a blockbuster." Appreciating the writer and director of the film Jagdeep Sidhu reviewer said, "Qismat is flawless. Writer Jagdeep Sidhu, who also makes his directorial debut with the movie, has conceived a beautiful journey of Ammy and Sargun’s love. He makes sure that no other character besides the lead pair gets much importance, which eventually enhances the impact of the culmination." He also appreciates the cast of the film, saying, "Qismat belongs to Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta. They are the heart and soul of the movie. They both give equally good, well-balanced and superlative performances. You cannot help but fall in love with their on-screen chemistry. They make you smile and cry a number of times in those two hours. It’s hard to believe anyone else portraying Shivjit and Bani’s roles. Guggu Gill is at his best, while Harby Sangha is funny as always." Reviewer also adds about the film soundtrack, "B Praak and Sukh-E have provided the best soundtrack a Punjabi film has seen in many years. We won’t be surprised if Kaun hoyega, Awaaz, and Fakira will be played on repeat on every playlist." Whereas criticised the film length, "The movie stretches to 139 minutes, which feels a tad dragged. Had the first half been trimmed a bit, the impact would have been stronger." In last he adds, "Qismat makes you smile, laugh, fall in love, get separated, get together, and cry. Watch it for Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta’s chemistry, Jagdeep Sidhu’s writing and direction, and also the soulful music. Grab your tissues and handkerchiefs and make a move towards cinema halls. This one is strongly recommended!"[24]

Jasmine Singh of The Tribune also appreciates the Debut Director Jagdeep Sidhu, saying, "Only a few directors have managed to dabble with romance on screen, and Jagdeep Sidhu is one such director who has handled the subject with ‘love’." Reviewer adds about dialogues, "The dialogues in the film are light yet hitting, in fact it has hundred romantic pick up lines that might come to your rescue someday. The film has dollops of humorous dialogues, the credit for which goes to the dialogue writer and Ammy Virk for delivering them in such a way that even the saddest person wouldn’t help smiling." She also praised lead cast, saying, "Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta share a strong onscreen chemistry. Ammy, makes every word he says achievable in real life. He is one effortless actor who can make the audiences laugh, cry and now, believe in true love. Sargun Mehta’s, currently one of the most talented female actresses of the industry, effortless acting and her girl-next-door image make her stand out from the entire lot." Reviewer also praised well played short roles of Guggu Gill and Harby Sangha.[42]

Amit Arora of Times Of India rated the film as 3.0 out 5. Praised most the soundtrack of the film, saying, "The only thing that makes the first half bearable is the music. ‘Pasand Jatt Di’ and ‘Gallan Teriya’ are already a hit and even during a short drive, you are likely to catch one or the other on the radio. ‘Kaun Hoyega’ and ‘Fakira’ have been woven well into the script and Jaani and B Praak deserve credit as music directors." But on other side the reviewer criticised the tragedic scenes in the film, length of the film and chemistry between Ammy and Sargun in first half.[43]

Punjabi website DaahFilms also gave generally positive reviews to the film. Reviewer appreciates most the performance of Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta in the film whereas criticised some flashback scenes in the film. Adds, "These are the emotions that makes the film best."[44] Sangeet Toor of Film Companion gave 2.0 out of 5 summarizing, said, "The first half justifies the marketing of the movie as a romantic comedy. The second half, however, is like a buffalo that has settled in the middle of a dirty pond and has refused to jump out."[45] Gurleen of Punjabi website Ghaint Punjab gave 4.5 stars out of 5 saying, "Qismat is not just a film but a well made example that needs to be followed by many others. Films like these are need of the hour and finally I can say, that this film was totally an Ammy-Sargun film and not carried by any one else but them."[46]