Rajdhani Punjab (2025) is a Punjabi-language crime-action thriller set in the vibrant yet troubled heart of North India — the city of Chandigarh. The film dives deep into the world of crime, corruption, and the battle for power between law, politics, and the underworld. It explores how the drug menace, a pressing issue in the region, infiltrates not just the streets but also families, faith, and personal values. Directed by Mandeep Kumar Joshi and written by Gurpreet Singh, the film presents an intense and socially relevant narrative that intertwines human emotion with the gritty reality of organized crime.
At its core, Rajdhani Punjab revolves around a fierce struggle between a local power figure, portrayed by veteran actor Yograj Singh, and an international drug cartel determined to dominate Punjab’s narcotics trade. Chandigarh — known for its modernity and governance — becomes the battleground where the lines between justice and vengeance blur. Yograj Singh’s character, a man shaped by decades of experience and a deep love for his homeland, has built his authority through a mix of influence, respect, and fear. He is not a conventional hero; instead, he is portrayed as a morally complex figure who must walk the thin line between legality and survival. His mission, however, is clear — to keep his city and his people from falling completely into the hands of the drug mafia.
The antagonist comes in the form of a ruthless international network that sees Punjab’s growing addiction problem as an opportunity to expand its empire. With deep pockets and political connections, the mafia begins infiltrating local businesses, authorities, and even families. The organization’s goal is not merely profit but total control — to turn Chandigarh, the “rajdhani” or capital, into the hub of their illegal operations. When Yograj’s character stands in their way, they decide to dismantle his world from within rather than through open confrontation. Their most dangerous weapon is manipulation, and their primary target becomes his own son.
The father-son relationship forms the emotional core of the film. Yograj’s son, portrayed by Gurpreet Singh, is an ambitious and somewhat idealistic young man who initially believes he can forge his own identity outside his father’s shadow. The mafia exploits this desire for independence, subtly turning him against his father through lies, temptation, and the illusion of power. They promise him wealth, respect, and autonomy — things he has longed for while living under the shadow of a powerful patriarch. As he becomes entangled in their schemes, the film explores the painful consequences of generational conflict and how personal pride can become the gateway to destruction.
The tension escalates as the mafia tightens its grip on the city. Corruption spreads through the police force and political offices, and the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred. Yograj’s character faces betrayal from people he once trusted — allies who now work secretly for his enemies. Yet, even in the face of such isolation, he refuses to surrender. His fight is not just against criminals but also against a system that has become complicit in its own decay. His mission transforms into a personal crusade — a desperate attempt to save his son, his honor, and his homeland before it’s too late.
Visually, Rajdhani Punjab captures the stark contrast between the glamour of Chandigarh’s city life and the dark alleys where deals are made in silence. The cinematography reinforces the theme of duality — bright urban landscapes juxtaposed with shadowy interiors that hide crime and despair. The background score heightens the tension, echoing the pulse of a city that never sleeps but is constantly at war with itself. The dialogues are sharp and rooted in Punjabi cultural idioms, giving the story an authentic local flavor while maintaining a universal appeal.
As the story reaches its climax, the emotional intensity peaks. The son, now aware of how he has been used by the mafia, must choose between redemption and ruin. The father, torn between anger and love, must decide whether to punish or protect him. Their confrontation becomes symbolic of Punjab’s broader struggle — a battle between tradition and corruption, pride and greed, love and vengeance. When the final showdown occurs, it is not merely a clash of guns and power but of ideologies and emotions. The outcome, though tragic, serves as a reflection of real-world consequences when the drug trade infiltrates the moral and social fabric of society.
Beyond the action and drama, Rajdhani Punjab carries a strong social message. It sheds light on how the drug epidemic in North India has destroyed countless lives and families, and how local heroes — flawed but courageous — continue to fight against it. The film avoids glorifying crime; instead, it portrays it as a disease that corrupts everything it touches. Through its characters, it questions whether justice can ever be achieved in a system where the powerful manipulate the weak and where personal gain often outweighs collective good.
Yograj Singh’s performance anchors the film with intensity and authenticity. His commanding screen presence and emotional depth give weight to the role of a man fighting both external enemies and inner demons. Gurpreet Singh, as the conflicted son, brings vulnerability and nuance, portraying the confusion of a generation caught between moral values and the lure of material success. The supporting cast — including Vivek Mishra, Lakha Lehri, Nitu Pandher, Bharatdeep, and Shareyaa Chawla — add texture to the narrative, each representing different facets of society’s struggle against corruption and addiction.
In the end, Rajdhani Punjab is not just a crime thriller — it is a mirror held up to contemporary Punjab. It reflects the pain of a community grappling with one of its gravest challenges and the resilience of those who refuse to surrender to despair. Through its blend of action, drama, and realism, the film delivers both entertainment and a moral wake-up call. It reminds viewers that the fight against crime and addiction is not only fought in the streets but also in the hearts of those who choose between right and wrong every day.