Transcending Boundaries in a Globalized World: 'Gandasa' from Local Folklore to Global Cinematic Narrative

This study examines the transformation of “Gandasa” a traditional Punjabi folklore, into its global cinematic adaptation, The Legend of Maula Jatt. Utilizing Blommaert’s sociolinguistic frameworks of scales and indexicality, the article examines how this local narrative is recontextualized within the global cinematic context, addressing the complexities of cultural preservation amidst globalization. The results reveal a nuanced balance between maintaining cultural authenticity and adapting to global audience expectations. Further, the findings highlight the dynamic interplay between local cultural characteristics and global cinematic influences, contributing significantly to the discourse on media’s role in shaping and negotiating cultural identities in a globalized world.