Why do crime dramas like ‘Kohrra’ keep turning Punjab into a “crisis zone”?
The Punjab we see on screen and the Punjab we experience in real life have always had a gap between them. In recent times, there has been an effort to look beyond grand weddings, bhangra beats, and rustic humor. The web series Kohrra Season 2, directed by Sudip Sharma, uses a fictional town in Punjab to peel back the layers of society that we often ignore. It is not merely an investigation into a murder; rather, it is a disturbing narrative about bonded labour, domestic violence, and psychological trauma passed down through generations.
Generally, a home is considered the safest place in the world. However, Kohrra 2 shows how emotional and physical violence can thrive within the four walls of private homes. The young characters in the show pay the price for their parents’ poor decisions and mutual resentment.
A Safe Haven or a Centre of Violence?
When children witness their father raising a hand against their mother, or see labourers chained within the courtyard of their home, such experiences leave wounds that never truly heal. The character of Dhanwant (played by Mona Singh) and her husband illustrates how parental neglect or mistakes can cost children their lives, leaving parents to live forever in a fog of regret — a “kohrra.”
Bonded Labour – An Unfinished Slavery
One of the most painful aspects of this season is the character of Rakesh Kumar. Although bonded labour has been legally abolished, the show presents what may be called “neo-bondage.” The most haunting scene is when Rakesh, even after being freed, continues to consider his former “prison” as his home. It powerfully demonstrates that slavery is not merely about chains — it is about the mind, and it can erode a person’s very identity.
Why Is It Always Punjab in Every Drama?
Why does every other crime drama portray Punjab as a “crisis region”? There appear to be three primary reasons:
• Punjab is a major destination for migrant labourers, making stories of exploitation easier to locate.
• Mustard fields, old mansions, and a border-state atmosphere provide a visually dramatic backdrop for urban audiences.
• At times, portraying the shortcomings of Hindi-belt states may be politically sensitive, whereas using Punjab as a “laboratory” is considered safer.
The Other Side of Punjab
When shows like Kohrra portray Punjab as foggy and melancholic, it becomes our responsibility to highlight the youth of Punjab who are excelling globally. Punjab is not merely “fog” or “drugs”; it is also a symbol of hard work and passion.
The Bright Dimensions of Punjabi Youth
Whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Delhi borders during protests, or amid devastating floods, Punjabi youth have consistently stood at the forefront, guided by the spirit of “Sarbat da Bhala” (welfare of all). Organizations like Khalsa Aid symbolize this very spirit.
Today’s youth are not just tilling the land; they are bringing innovation to agriculture through organic farming and agri-startups. From sports (hockey, athletics) to music (Diljit Dosanjh performing at Coachella), Punjabi youth have captivated the world. Punjabis serving in the parliaments of Canada and the UK stand as evidence of their intellectual strength.
Kohrra 2 serves as a warning — to parents who inflict emotional wounds upon their children, and to an administration that may have abolished slavery on paper but has failed to transform the mindset behind it. Yet beyond this “fog” lies a brighter Punjab — one that requires a shift in perspective to truly see.
It is worth suggesting that through social media and regional cinema, we should actively share stories of Punjab’s real heroes in order to challenge and dismantle the one-sided negative narrative constructed around the state.
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