Bollywood movie Dastaan E Sirhind complete review with cast, budget and release date
“Dastaan E Sirhind” delves into the poignant narrative of an NRI grappling with a sense of disconnection from his Punjabi heritage. The film unfolds as he returns to his roots in Punjab alongside his wife and son during a period marked by the significant martyrdom of Chote Sahibzade. The storyline intricately weaves the historical account of the arrest of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh in Sirhind, alongside their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji. In a parallel narrative, the film follows Navdeep Singh’s journey, interwoven with the tale of Chote Sahibzade, recounted by Navdeep’s grandmother to his son.
The filmmakers adeptly present a fictional storyline alongside the historical martyrdom of Chote Sahibzade. Additionally, the film explores the political nuances surrounding the langars in the vicinity of the sacred temple. However, the representation of these elements raises concerns within the Sikh community. As the religion strictly prohibits the inaccurate portrayal and comparison of individuals in historical films. Akal Takht Sahib, upholding the sanctity of historical narratives, explicitly forbids alterations to such stories. Despite these directives, the filmmakers chose not to adhere to the instructions. It leads to the government’s imposition of a stringent lifetime ban in response to the request from Akal Takht Sahib.
Starcast of Dastaan E Sirhind
The main star cast of Dastaan E Sirhind includes Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ansh Tejpal, Sardar Sohi, Gurpreet Bangu, Shabaz Khan, Pramodh Mathuo, Ali Khan, Jaswant Daman and Yograaj Singh. Hobby Dhaliwal plays a cameo antagonist role.
Dastaan E Sirhind released outside India on 3 November 2023.
The story of this history inspired tale
Navdeep Singh, leading a content life with his English wife and son in the Canada. He undergoes a transformative experience. In a gesture of respect for Martyr Days, he places an image of Sahibzade on his house wall. However, his son’s dismay at the removal of his favorite Harry Potter poster. It prompts Navdeep to reflect on his inadvertent neglect in educating his son about Punjab’s history while striving for a better life.
The family’s journey takes them to Fatehgarh Sahib, their hometown. It coincides during the bustling December fair preparations in honor of a significant day. At the airport, Navdeep encounters a fellow villager. A steadfast Sikh taxi driver, and they embark on the journey together as a family.
Upon reaching his village, Navdeep discovers his grandmother alive. But she is residing in a dilapidated home due to lack of repairs. A visit to his father’s younger brother’s villa raises concerns about property expectations. But Navdeep clarifies that his purpose is to introduce Sikhism to his family and immerse himself as a devotee of the gurdwara.
Realizing that Punjab has undergone changes, with politics infiltrating even the gurdwaras. Navdeep becomes disheartened but chooses to overlook it. However, during a minister’s speech, he vocalizes his concerns about the deteriorating situation. He is further supported by his driver friend, leading to displeasure from his chacha and the minister.
In response, Navdeep’s chacha and the minister manipulate a case against the driver, unjustly imprisoning him. Navdeep, aware of the driver’s innocence, endeavors to secure his release. However, his chacha orchestrates a goon attack on his house, intending to intimidate him into fleeing back to Canada.
Eventually, Navdeep’s grandmother curses his chacha for his malevolent actions, prompting him to recognize his mistakes.
Addition of history
Meanwhile, as Navdeep’s personal saga unfolds, his grandma narrates the sacrifice of Chote Sahibzade and Mata Gujri Ji. This historical account is depicted through parallel flashbacks with animated portrayals of Sahibzadas and Mata Ji, with various artists bringing the roles to life. Following their arrest, Chote Sahibzade and Mata Ji endure harsh conditions in a chilled, open tower, pressured to convert to Islam. However, they steadfastly choose death over forsaking their religion for luxury.
Budget of Dastaan E Sirhind
“Dastaan E Sirhind” is primarily filmed in Fatehgarh Sahib, contributing to a reasonable budget for the filmmakers. The star cast and animated filming components are carefully managed, avoiding extravagant expenses. The production deliberately refrains from incorporating opulent gatherings to set the atmosphere, relying instead on the natural footfall near the religious place.
As a result, the entire project is meticulously crafted within a budget range of 3 to 5 crores, showcasing a commendable effort to balance cost-effectiveness with the creation of an engaging and impactful cinematic experience. This approach reflects a dedication to storytelling without compromising on the financial constraints of the production.
Review of Dastaan E Sirhind
“Dastaan E Sirhind” serves as a history-inspired narrative, focusing on the remembrance of the martyrdom of Chote Sahibzade in the context of a religious struggle.
While the story is considered compelling, there are criticisms about its deviation from the intended focus. Navdeep Singh’s initial goal of familiarizing his son with the roots of Sikhism takes an unexpected turn as he becomes ensnared in city politics, altering the film’s original purpose. Furthermore, the portrayal of societal management and influential figures is perceived as compromised.
Gurpreet Singh’s portrayal of the NRI Sikh character is praised for effectively conveying the emotions. However, the film’s conclusion is deemed incomplete, lacking a satisfying climax. The storyline’s transformation, where a man, initially indifferent to his mother’s concerns, learns a profound lesson from her, is noted, but the narrative feels unfinished.
The parallel storytelling, juxtaposing Navdeep’s contemporary struggles with historical events, is criticized as somewhat awkward. The unmatched intensity of Navdeep’s fictional struggles and the alteration of historical events for dramatic effect raise ethical concerns, especially as such modifications are deemed unacceptable by Akal Takht Sahib.
The objection from Akal Takht Sahib is considered valid, prompting a call for the movie’s ban not only domestically but also in other countries due to ethical concerns. The film’s release, according to this perspective, is viewed as both unethical and unacceptable.
We skip rating Dastaan E Sirhind considering ban from Akal Takht Sahib and feel apologetic watching it to generate awareness of ban.
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