Indian entertainment platform PTC Punjabi has partnered with Australian production company Temple to co-present three Punjabi-language feature films under the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-Production Treaty, marking one of the largest regional-language collaborations to utilize the bilateral agreement.
The alliance positions Australia as a strategic launch platform for Punjabi cinema’s global expansion, with the films set to roll out across India, Australia and New Zealand over the next 18 months.
Under the treaty framework, the productions will access Australian federal and state film incentives, including grants and rebates, while utilizing local crews, talent, locations and post-production facilities. Temple will handle Australian co-production requirements, including treaty compliance and studio partnerships, while PTC Punjabi manages Indian creative development, production and distribution.
The partnership brings together three independent producers from PTC Punjabi’s roster, each investing in and overseeing creative development alongside Temple. Australian theatrical distributor Forum will handle ANZ territory releases.
The collaboration comes as Indian-language films, including Punjabi titles, have surpassed Australian productions at the local box office, according to recent industry data. The shift has drawn increased attention from Indian producers viewing Australia as both a production base and international distribution gateway.
“Punjabi cinema is ready for its global leap, and Australia gives us the perfect runway. With Temple this partnership is not just about making films – it’s about making history. Punjabi stories deserve the world, and together with Australia, we’re going to take them there with confidence, scale and pride,” said Rajiee M. Shinde, CEO of PTC Entertainment Channels.
Anupam Sharma, founder of Temple, added: “The Australia–India Co-Production Treaty is a game-changer. Australia will be the engine that takes Punjabi cinema global – with world-class crews, studios, incentives and distribution access. PTC Punjabi has been the guardian of Punjabi culture for decades, and together we will now take Punjabi stories to the world.”
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The partnership represents a significant investment into Australia’s screen sector, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, from India. PTC Network operates PTC Punjabi as a leading Punjabi-language entertainment platform globally.
The pact was unveiled at the WAVES Film Bazaar, the market component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.
From Variety US