Arjun Patiala 2019

A director meets with a producer, who quickly asks about all the typical elements of a masala film—songs, villains, fight scenes, comedy moments, and more—and casually approves the project without even reviewing the script. However, the director insists on reading the script aloud, prompting the producer to agree.

The screenplay centers around Arjun Patiala, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a talented athlete who wins the national Judo championship. As a reward for his victory, he is appointed as a Sub-Inspector in Punjab Police and takes charge of the Ferozpur police station. On his very first day, Arjun quickly earns the respect of his colleagues thanks to his wit and unwavering integrity. During his police duties, he has a lively meeting with Baby Narula, and the narrative even includes a lighthearted item song added for entertainment, which is a common feature in such films.

As Arjun gets more involved in police work, he meets Ritu Randhawa, a spirited journalist played by Kriti Sanon. Their encounter sparks mutual attraction, and a romantic connection develops. The following day, the police station is visited by DSP Amarjeet Singh Gill, portrayed by Ronit Roy, who shares with Arjun his dream of creating a crime-free district. Soon, a real challenge arises when Baldev Singh Rana, a notorious local drug lord, assaults one of the police constables. Ritu, expecting a slow response from the police, visits the crime scene herself and is appalled by the lack of action. Arjun also arrives, swiftly trashing Baldev and arresting him, which earns him Ritu’s admiration. Their bond deepens, and they begin to date.

Ritu then shares crucial information about the ongoing rivalries among local gangs, primarily between Baldev, Dilbaugh, and Sakool, an emerging criminal mastermind. With limited resources and facing legal restrictions, Arjun devises a risky and bold plan: he seeks to instigate a gang war, believing that chaos among criminals might be the only way to eliminate them once and for all. He discreetly provides Sakool with the location of Baldev, resulting in Baldev’s brutal murder in the middle of a busy street, witnessed by roadside vendors. The police claim there were no witnesses, but Ritu, skeptical of their story, suspects otherwise. She begins her own investigation, sensing that something is amiss, and confronts Arjun, urging him to be truthful about his actions. Arjun, however, insists he is not involved, lying to her to keep her away from the truth.

Meanwhile, MLA Prapti Makkad, played by Seema Pahwa, appears supportive of Arjun’s efforts, and DSP Gill introduces him to her, further strengthening his position. Yet suspense looms as the death toll among rival gangsters mounts. Ritu becomes increasingly suspicious of the police’s version of events and finally confronts Arjun with her concerns. She offers him two choices: allow her to investigate the killings herself or their relationship ends. She later contacts Sakool himself, warning him about his impending danger and the possibility of being double-crossed by police and rival gangs. Sakool, feeling threatened, tries to eliminate Ritu, fearing she could become a witness; however, she manages to escape from his attempt on her life.

Further complicating matters, Onida Singh, played by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, discovers DSP Gill’s involvement in plotting a power grab within the criminal underworld, and he attempts to warn Arjun. His efforts are thwarted when his cover is blown, forcing him to flee for his safety. The conspirators—MLA Makkad, DSP Gill, and a newspaper editor—then give Arjun a deadly ultimatum: eliminate Sakool and Onida. Arjun follows their orders and shoots Onida near a bridge, in front of Makkad, making it appear as though he has executed a criminal to uphold justice.

However, at the morgue later that day, both Sakool and Onida unexpectedly resurface alive, revealing that Arjun had double-crossed his enemies. This leads to a violent confrontation where Arjun fights to escape with DSP Gill and Onida. In a dramatic pursuit to his ancestral home, Sakool chases Arjun, culminating in a long cat-and-mouse chase. The climax unfolds when Sakool, in a tragic accident, is shot dead after his father unintentionally fires Arjun’s gun. Meanwhile, Makkad is captured and sent to jail. The story concludes with Arjun and Ritu reconciling, symbolizing their renewed trust, and the film ends happily, embracing the typical happy ending of a masala film.

“Crime doesn’t pay, but sometimes it’s the only way out.”