Karan Aujla’s music video Real Badman, released on October 12, 2026, combines gangster-film aesthetics, stylised action and offbeat humour, presenting a different interpretation of the familiar gangster image in Punjabi music videos.
The video is part of Aujla’s EP Aujla SZN 1, which was released on September 25. Aujla has handled the song’s vocals, lyrics and composition, while Ikky composed the music.
The music video is directed by Agam Mann and Aseem Mann, with Shoaib Shawl credited as creative director. Shinda Singh served as director of photography, while Agam Mann also handled the editing.
The video draws on familiar elements of gangster cinema, including exaggerated characters, stylised action and displays of confidence and power. However, it also incorporates humour and theatrical elements rather than relying entirely on the aggression and intimidation commonly associated with the genre.
Gangster imagery has become a recurring feature of Punjabi music videos, often built around dominance, status and an untouchable masculine persona. Real Badman retains aspects of this visual tradition while presenting its characters through a more exaggerated and unconventional approach.
Its visual presentation also invites comparisons with films such as Kung Fu Hustle, particularly in its use of stylised action, distinctive characters and an exaggerated cinematic setting. The combination gives the music video a visual identity that extends beyond conventional displays of luxury and bravado.
For Shawl and the Mann brothers, the project brings together creative direction, characterisation and cinematic storytelling within an established music-video genre. Their respective roles are reflected in the official production credits.
Real Badman is the second track from Aujla SZN 1 to receive a music video, following the release of visuals for Ashke. The EP features five tracks: Ashke, Real Badman, Rap Killa, Straight Up and Aujla SZN.
