Gippy Grewal’s recently released movie ‘Akaal: The Unconquered’ has sparked controversy, with Sikh organisations accusing the film of disrespecting the Sikh community and hurting religious sentiments.
The film is based on Sikh warriors such as Hari Singh Nalwa and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Sikh organisations have insisted that if these iconic figures are being portrayed, then those playing them must be shown with full reverence and dignity.
Sikh organisations have protested against the screening of Gippy Grewal’s film Akaal, alleging that it portrays Sikh individuals in a manner that violates religious tenets and is considered deeply disrespectful to Sikh identity and historical figures.
Sikh organisations have further alleged that the film shows Sikh characters drinking alcohol, consuming tobacco and appearing ‘mundit’ (without hairs), which they say is an insult to Sikh history and tradition. They emphasised that such depictions are unacceptable, especially when portraying revered Sikh warriors.
Members of various Sikh groups, including Nihangs, staged demonstrations in Ludhiana and Patiala against the movie. Protesters entered multiplexes and demanded an immediate suspension of the film’s screening, citing a disrespectful portrayal of Sikh traditions and religious figures.
In Ludhiana, a protest led by Pradeep Singh Ayali, president of Sikh Youth Power, saw demonstrators raise slogans against the film’s lead actor, Gippy Grewal. Ayali claimed that the film distorts Sikh values by showcasing Grewal in traditional Nihang attire, despite his previous roles, which many Sikhs consider inappropriate by religious standards.
“Gippy Grewal has previously acted in movies where he danced with women and portrayed characters far removed from Sikh ideals. Now he is shown wearing Nihang attire, which violates the sanctity of our faith,” said Ayali. “Such individuals cannot authentically represent Sikh characters. Our history and sacrifices deserve respect, not commercialisation,” he further said.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded that films based on Sikh religious figures should not be permitted at all. They have called on the police administration to register a case against those responsible for producing a film that hurts religious sentiments.
According to reports, the movie has been removed from theatres in Ludhiana and Patiala. Similar demonstrations are reportedly taking place in other cities across the state as well.
Akaal, which was released on April 10, is set in 1840s Punjab. The film centres on the principled leader Sardar Akaal Singh and his village as they face brutalities by Jangi Jahan and his forces after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The film also stars Gurpreet Ghuggi and Nimrat Khaira. Released in both Hindi and Punjabi, the film also marks Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions’ entry into Punjabi cinema.
