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A Film on Guru Nanak Goes to Cannes:
Nanak Shah Fakir

FAIZAL KHAN & JASPREET

 

 

 

Resul Pookutty, who beat Hollywood's master technicians to land an Oscar for sound-mixing six years ago -- for Slumdog Millionaire -- is ready to join an illustrious global club for faith-themed films this year.

Pookutty arrived at the Cannes Film Festival on the first day to promote a new feature film on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak.

Co-produced by the Oscar winner, Nanak Shah Fakir has been mentored by Pookutty's fellow Oscar awardee A.R. Rahman.

"This year, there are three films made internationally on spiritual figures and one of them is from our country," Pookutty says.

Russell Crowe-starring Noah and Son of God by Christopher Spencer have already set the box office on fire with their releases in March.

Nanak Shah Fakir is expected to hit the screens later this year.

"I joined the film project after seeing 40 minutes of the footage," explains Pookutty about his involvement in the film.

"I was overwhelmed by the fact that the film's producer-director, Harinder Singh Sikka, had never even seen a film set before he ventured to make Nanak Shah Fakir," he adds.

After Pookutty decided to support the film, music composer Rahman followed suit.

The film's original music is by Finnish musician Tuomas Kantelinen, who composed music for The Legend of Hercules. Uttam Singh and Pandit Jasraj have sung for the film, which is in Hindi.

"The film tells the extraordinary story of Guru Nanak," says Pookutty, adding that he and the director came to Cannes so that the film gets a wider audience around the world.

Both Pookutty and the director are confident that the Cannes presence would help the film being selected for international festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

For Delhi-based Harinder Singh, Toronto will be the ideal place for a world premiere because of the huge presence of Sikh-Canadians.

Pookutty, who has also done sound design for the film, insists that the film has a wider appeal "because it deals with a social subject rather than a spiritual one".

Computer graphics have been used to portray the character of Guru Nanak, whose face is never shown in the film.

Pookutty joined the film project after Harinder Singh came to him on a recommendation from former head of National Film Archives of India, P.K. Nair.

"I immediately understood the significance of a feature film on Guru Nanak today's time," Pookutty says.

"Especially when it is told through a Muslim fakir from Pakistan."


THE MAKING OF THE FILM

It’s a biopic on the teachings of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, tentatively titled, "Nanak Shah Fakir".

Since Guru Nanak cannot be represented figuratively, his philosophy has been drawn out through the life of Bhai Mardana, the first disciple and lifelong companion of the First Sikh master.

Playing Mardana is the critically acclaimed actor, Arif Zakaria, who first gained popularity with his award-winning role of a hermaphrodite in "Darmiyaan".

The film will be shot extensively in Chandigarh, Amritsar, Rajasthan, Leh, Ladakh and Mumbai.

Guru Nanak's birth place, Talwandi, now known as Nanakana Sahib (in Punjab, Pakistan), has been recreated at Mullanpur, near Chandigarh, for the shoot.

Busy on the set, Zakaria noted, "It is exciting to learn that the Guru was a visionary and a humanist whose universal message is relevant even today, as it was free of all bigotry."

He did not discount the fact that while preparing for the role the uncanny similarity between Sikhism and Islam unravelled for him.

Calling it as one of the most "challenging" roles of his career, Zakaria said the portrayal of Mardana called for great genius in acting.

"Bhai Mardana had begun sounding like Guru Nanak after some years since he was his constant escort. Hence, the character must have a high degree of serenity and poise," pointed out Zakaria, who is practising meditation to align his inner chaos into oneness with Mardana's persona. "The role requires stillness and radiance of demeanour, so I learnt meditation at a spiritual camp before shooting started."

Though this is a period film tracing the history of Guru Nanak in the 16th century, it exploits modern machinery to highlight its message.

Latest computer graphics, computer generated imagery ("CGI") for special effects, was used, which Zakaria describes as an attempt to "use more than technology to tell the story".

An integral part of Mardana, the musical instrument, Rabab, features eminently in the film. "I am learning to play the instrument. Since Guru Nanak's philosophy was so lyrical, music is pivotal to the script," the actor said.

Considering the universality of the Guru's beliefs, the film's release will have a national release. "We would like the world to know what bearing Nanak's thinking has in contemporary times," added Zakaria.


[Courtesy: Daily Mail & The Times of India. Edited for sikhchic.com]
May 30, 2014


 

Conversation about this article

1: Harman Singh (California, USA), May 30, 2014, 2:05 PM.

I am excited to see this movie. We need films like these with high production values that tell our story effectively to the world. I still do not understand why we are so hung up on "physical portrayal" of the Guru. That very fact has probably been an obstacle to several ventures coming onto the big screen. Aren't we mature enough as an audience and community to understand that a "physical portrayal" of the Guru is in fact just that, a "portrayal" and not the Guru himself? This is a movie after all, not a documentary.

2: Bhai Harbans Lal (Dallas, Texas, USA), May 30, 2014, 3:34 PM.

I am excited too about the film and pleased to notice that Guru Nanak will not be presented figuratively as is the case with Prophet Mohammed. I hope that the themes selected for inclusion are researched and confirmed with the help of Sikh scholars who are easily available at the Sikh institutions in India and in the West. We must be careful to represent the true Nanak and not the Nanak of made-up miracles and imagined saakhis.

3: Parmjeet Kaur (New Delhi, India), May 31, 2014, 4:46 AM.

It is very pleasant to know that such an effort is being made. My fear is that it may not become another tool in the hands of the majority community of India to claim that Sikhs are also Hindus. We may presume that the writer and director of the film would consult real scholars and not semi-literate clergy who actually should have no place in Sikhism. Sikhism was not a ritualistic religion, as clearly indicated in the gurbani of Guru Nanak himself but has been hijacked by employment-oriented, illiterate and semi-literate paatthis, babas, sants, granthis, etc. They suit the majority community so that it may absorb the most modern religion into its fold like Buddhism, Jainism and others. Therefore, the majority community and their self-seeking followers among Sikhs (particularly the present day ruling politicians of Punjab) may sabotage the effort as they have done earlier in case of a few films which, though technically not brilliant, tried to portray some truth. India has two major TV Channel groups, STAR and ZEE. STAR started a Punjabi channel for Punjabi middle class about a decade ago, but soon it had to close shop. ZEE has a Punjabi channel but it had to turn multilingual a few months ago. Individual effort (DayandnightNews) is suffering and may be nearing its end or transformation. The only Punjabi channel which is flourishing is PTC which is owned by the ruling politicians. It keeps its viewership by telecasting from Darbar Sahib in the morning and evening (since it 'owns' SGPC) and then the whole day potato-shaped singers keep jumping up in all corners of the screen. All the newspapers in Punjabi or otherwise in Punjab are politico-religious and commercial ventures that deeply harm the interests of the Sikhs of Guru Nanak - Guru Gobind Singh. Recently, a Sikh Punjabi newspaper (Rozanaspokesman) was started in Punjab with the individual effort of Joginder Singh who has some vision about spreading the word of Nanak. The ruling politicians stated above have done everything in their control to discourage, humiliate and harm him. If a real useful result for the Sikhs is desired, the makers of the film must listen to some scholars whose writings shine in sikhchic.com and those like Joginder Singh in Punjab because ultimately the film is meant to run in Punjab and for the Sikhs.

4: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, USA ), May 31, 2014, 10:30 AM.

It is nice to see a film being made on Guru Nanak, but the film name is misleading because most of the people, specifically the young generation, do not know the meaning of Shah or Fakir when it is connected to Nanak.

5: GC Singh (USA), June 01, 2014, 12:04 PM.

Harman Singh #1 ... Given the movie-making scene in India and around the world, it will open up a can of worms. You will have people like Akshay Kumar portraying Guru Nanak on the screen (remember the looks of 'Singh is King'?) alongwith some Bollywood item girl as his consort and the usual song and dance scenes. To justify such blasphemous portrayal, they will give exactly your argument that why are you so hung up and old-fashioned because it is just a movie.

6: KS Vohra (Gurgaon, India.), June 01, 2014, 12:34 PM.

It is exciting. It would be worthwhile to make such movies on the other Gurus. The Bhagats of the Guru Granth Sahib as well.

7: Arvinder Singh Khalsa (Hornchurch, United Kingdom), June 03, 2014, 4:32 AM.

That's great news and a step forward. I'm so impressed about the highlighting of Bhai Mardana ji who was one of the first Sikhs of Baba Nanak. I look forward to seeing it.

8: Devinder Singh Chahal (Laval, Quebec, Canada), June 03, 2014, 10:43 AM.

I too am excited to see how the philosophy of Guru Nanak is depicted in the movie entitled "Nanak Shah Fakir" - Nanak the Sage-King. The role of Mardana will be another feature of particular interest in this film. I hope Nanak is not presented through stories knitted around his life but on his philosophy.

9: N P Singh (Delhi, India), June 03, 2014, 11:31 AM.

In the present materialistic world, the message of Guru Nanak needs to be interpreted in its true spirit, which will give the world the most needed support to counter the stress and strains of life. In my opinion 'Living Treasure' is one of the organisations which interpret the Guru's teachings in the most appropriate and true manner. The same could be incorporated in the film to spread the message for humanity.

10: Tejinder Singh (New Delhi, India), June 03, 2014, 12:41 PM.

It has been my childhood dream to see a movie on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. It is nice to know that a Pakistani actor is playing the role of Mardana. Legend has it that Guru Nanak was also accompanied by another disciple, Bala Khan, during the Journeys. I wonder if he too will be featured in the film.

11: Shubchintan Gill (Bellevue, WA, USA), June 03, 2014, 1:56 PM.

Can't wait to see the Guru's teachings come alive on the silver screen. Hopefully, it is something that we might be able to share with the younger generation and convey the message through the new media.

12: Balbir Kaur (USA), June 03, 2014, 3:05 PM.

It is very pleasant to know that such an effort is being made to spread Guru Nanak's teachings, but the name of the movie is misleading for our next generation. Please be careful and respectful to represent the true Guru. I hope the themes are researched with the help of good Sikh scholars. May Guru Sahib bless you and guide you to be honest and truthful in spreading his teachings.

13: Dalvinder Singh Grewal (Ludhiana, Punjab), June 04, 2014, 12:28 AM.

Making a film on Guru Nanak is not an easy task. It is good that some experienced hands have joined to make it a global venture.

14: Baldev Singh Gujral (Delhi, India), June 04, 2014, 1:45 AM.

Excellent. God bless you.

15: Sharan (Malaysia), June 04, 2014, 2:58 AM.

Happy to note some efforts are being made for making such a film. It shall be helpful for our children who always hear the stories or read it in the books. By watching, our children will realize how our Guru Sahib has taught us the high ideals of Sikhi.

16: Harinder Singh Sikka (India), June 04, 2014, 4:44 AM.

Dear sikhchic.com readers: Thanks for all for your comments and support. The film 'Nanak Shah Fakir' is a dream that I saw by His grace. Guru Nanak was called Shah by the Hindus, Fakir by the Muslims (both titles considered to be the highest in the respective religions). Gurbani has thus, at many places, addressed the Guru Sahibb as 'Nanak Shah Fakir'. Guru Nanak is being portrayed through computer graphics, through a ray of light and that too only from the back. His face, even as a computer graphic, is not shown. We have therefore stuck to His teachings which have been extensively researched by us. Prof Amrit Basra (from Delhi University and Bhai Vir Singh Sadan) did a commendable job. The Guru's journey has thus been shown through the eyes of Bhai Mardana emphasising on the essence of 'Ik Oankar' (There is but One God). All His life, Guru Nanak remained apolitical, completely secular and kind to everyone, including the hardcore criminals like Wali Kandhari, Sajjan Thug, etc. He taught us, ordinary mortals, to 'Kirat Karo', 'Naam Juppo' and 'Wund Chhako', principles that are slipping away from our lives at a rapid pace. If we ourselves do not know much about Guru Nanak, we won't be able to teach our future generations what is rapidly getting sucked into the digital media. Much is indeed written in books, but how many of us actually read them? Besides, a two-hour film will have a much larger impact on all His followers, comprising of Sindhis, Multanis, Punjabis, Americans, Europeans, etc., and of course Sikhs themselves, who are spread far and wide across the globe. No single person or religion owns the Guru, but the Guru stands by all, without caste, creed or religion whatsoever. It was again by God's grace that I did not have to borrow any money from people outside, even as this is a mega budget, international quality film. Nor shall any income coming from this gracious project come to my home. During the making of this very important film, we were not only able to witness miracles, we were also graciously allowed to record them on camera. We are therefore left deeply humbled and overwhelmed. At Cannes, we were received by an amazing number of people, all non-Sikhs, who were simply curious about Guru Nanak. When they learnt that it is by His blessings that no Sikh can ever be found begging on the streets, they became even more inquisitive. It's time the world knows more about the Guru's bani, through the shabads that were so beautifully composed by the legendary Uttam Singh ji in original raags and sung by Pt Jasraj and Bhai Nirmal Singh, using centuries-old musical instruments. It is my firm belief that whoever will listen carefully to the Guru's Aarti at Jagannath Puri and understand His message, which was shot with the help of hundreds of devotees, shall not only be blessed, but shall also also physically feel blessed. It's yet a miracle that the best known Academy award winners and humble souls in AR Rahman, Resul Pookutty as also the Finnish master Tuomas Kantelinen, have provided the soulful background score and sound. May I request the Guru's sangat to not hesitate in asking questions and also help us create awareness amongst the masses. Deep within, I am well aware that this film was written, produced and directed by the Lord for an ordinary, worthless person like me cannot make such an epic, the showreel of which has been deeply liked and appreciated by some of the best critics at Cannes and elsewhere. I am not allowed, as per my dream, to take even a penny from anyone. Therefore, may I humbly request and urge you all to not offer money, as many people have tried to, indeed with noble intent. But I shall indeed request you all to come up with suggestions, questions (if any) and ideas so that the message of Guru Nanak reaches every door step as well as our future generation. With warm wishes to all ...

17: Captain Mohinder Singh (Patiala, Punjab -- Camp: Brampton, Ontario, Canada), June 04, 2014, 8:59 AM.

As Bhim singh is being honoured by Supreme Court of Pakistan Lawyers' Association, they have been reminded that there was a case pending in their courts against Nanak Fakir that 750 acres of land originally transferred to Nanak Fakir be restored to "Bhatti's relatives". (There is a response that the factual position is being looked into.) Film people would do well to confirm on this to make their presentation something unique. (I had received such a communication from a professor in Nankana Sahib.)

18: Kulvinder Jit Kaur (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada), June 04, 2014, 3:53 PM.

#16 -- Mubarak to Sardar Harinder Singh on initiating this much-required and awaited project. Will you be in Toronto during the screening of this film in June? Also, I hope you share the stories of your 'miracles' while you were filming it. Miracles are very much a part of this Universe and even though Baba Nanak and our religion does not put emphasis or importance on them, nevertheless 'miracles' do exist.

19: Jasbir (Hoshiarpur, Punjab), June 04, 2014, 7:10 PM.

This is such commendable work. In the absence of such work, our Sikh religion has not been known as well and widely as it deserves. We hope that the film will be based on solid research, accurate history and the teachings of Guru Nanak as enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.

20: Bir Ishwar Singh (Loa Angeles, California, USA), June 04, 2014, 7:19 PM.

Sardar Harinder Singh ji: I haven't seen the film. However, after reading your own write-up, I believe you must have portrayed a true and factual picture of Guru Nanak Sahib. After watching the film for myself, I will be promoting it across religious lines, I have a global promotions company and charity. May Guru Sahib bless you with success.

21: Harinder Singh Sikka (India), June 05, 2014, 2:10 AM.

Dear Kulwinder Kaur ji: we shall be coming to Toronto. We have registered with TIFF to participate at the Toronto Festival. And yes, I agree with you on the miracles part. We, ordinary mortals, often wish to seek His presence. It was his way of showing that the Lord was helping us complete this noble project. Thanks for you good wishes. Dear Jasbir ji: I agree with you on the research part. That's why we had eminent scholars and a Professor from Delhi University and Bhai Vir Singh Sadan to guide us with accurate history so that the correct and true message goes to the the global society.

22: Jasbir Bhasine (California, USA), June 05, 2014, 2:34 AM.

I often attend inter faith functions. Through Sikhi I know that we are all children of One God. I first got this message from Guru Nanak when he went on his journeys from community to community, and had followers of all known faiths. His teachings were of universal bellefs. He takes us much further in Japji Sahib, i.e., to the whole cosmos. But very, very few know about him and his beliefs. It's a pleasure that you are making this movie on him.

23: K I Singh (India), June 05, 2014, 3:57 AM.

Great to learn of such a fine film project that shows so much of promise for all viewers from all faiths and backgrounds. Looking forward to it. Best wishes for the pious venture.

24: Kamaljeet Singh Dogra (Orlando, Florida, USA), June 06, 2014, 10:21 AM.

All my feelings of gratitude and elation at making of this film are expressed by so many (above) that I feel that I have nothing to add to appreciate the making of this film. One comment for #10, Tejinder Singh (New Delhi, India). The other person purported in some janam saakhis to accompany Guru Nanak was simply Bala (not Bala Khan). Most historians think that he was the author of a janam saakhi but did not travel with Guru Nanak.

25: Mandhir Singh Johal (Fremont, California, USA), June 06, 2014, 7:12 PM.

I am delighted to learn about the film being made on our dear Guru Nankak. From my childhood I have been exposed and very much impressed by his life and teachings. As quoted from Sant Maskeen ji's katha, there cannot be peace in the world unless there is only one religion of the world, and he suggested that Guru Nanak's philosophy can be that world religion. So I humbly request the film makers that emphasis should be to explain his message to the world without the influences of the narrow ownership of the Sikh religion by present day 'leaders'. It will help humanity to attain peace by understanding Guru Sahib's philosophy. Good luck ... you are blessed by Guru Nanak.

26: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), June 06, 2014, 10:22 PM.

Guru Nanak is the greatest human being that has ever been on planet Earth. I'm glad that a film is being made on his life and teachings.

27: Akaldev Singh Panesar (Southall, England), June 07, 2014, 6:22 AM.

'Nanak Shah Fakir' reflects the Miri-Piri concept of the Khalsa as our Akal Takht shows these powers vested in the Panth.

28: Sharanjit Singh (New Delhi, India), June 08, 2014, 9:24 AM.

#16 -- S. Harinder Singh ji, you are really blessed that it fell upon you to make such a film on a personality about whose work Sikhs have done little to tell others. It is a pity that Sikhs themselves are forgetting his message and instead, sinking into the whirlpool of Hindu superstitions, ritualism, casteism and such things under the influence of the majority community in India. You rightly referred to the "principles that are slipping away from our lives at a rapid pace". I would like to request you to beware of another thing, the miracles. To make a feature film on such a personality imposes an untold responsibility on its maker to faithfully depict the personality. The followers of Jesus and Mohammed have created big mythologies to make their prophets look extraordinarily great instead of understanding them and following their messages which themselves are great. But let us not fall for that. If we do, we would make Nanak just another, ordinary manufactured 'prophet'. One cannot fathom the greatness of a personality without understanding and living his message. The same goes with legends and mythologies ...

29: Maninder Kohli  (New Delhi, India), June 09, 2014, 5:24 PM.

Thanks for fulfilling the dream of the community.

30: Harinder Singh Sikka (India), June 17, 2014, 3:56 AM.

Dear readers, thank you for your encouraging words. Your wishes are pouring in like blessings. As I have stated earlier, every care has been taken to ensure that Guru's baani and His true message of 'Ik Oankar', Kirat Karo, Wund Chhako and Naam Juppo, is spread to the masses in a subtle way. But stories such as those around Wali Kandari (Punja Sahib Gurdwara), Guru's Aarti at Jagannath Puri (which was translated by the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Bangla and also termed as an International Anthem) and scores of others, did happen. It's my firm belief that whoever will watch carefully, listen and connect to Guru Nanak's Aarti, he/she will connect to a divine force within. The One is not just a miracle, He is reality, the Truth. But ordinary mortals like me keep looking for His presence all over when He's deep within. That's when we fall prey to fly-by-night operators. And India is filled with millions of them. So please have faith for His guidance has been overwhelming, pious and pure. Warm wishes to all.

31: Sunny (Kolkata, India), October 14, 2014, 6:16 AM.

When can we expect the release of this film?

32: Vivek M Cross (Navi Mumbai, India ), October 30, 2014, 2:37 AM.

I have been part of this film and I feel so lucky to have been so.

33: Gursharan Singh  (Dehra Dun, India ), November 20, 2014, 6:36 AM.

Absolutely thrilled to know about the making of the film on Guru Nanak. Hearty congratulations to Harinder Singh ji and each and every pious soul connected with the making of the film. I would love to know the release date. Thanks and stay blessed forever.

34: Gobind Singh (Jalandhar, Punjab), January 09, 2015, 2:24 PM.

This is for the first time that such a story has been portrayed in a film. This is not just a film but something above, beyond expression. I congratulate Harinder Singh for making this film, which will have a deep impact on the viewers for generations. I pray to Almighty for some more movies of such nature, spreading the message of our Gurus.

35: Sarbjit Singh Dhir (India), January 09, 2015, 11:58 PM.

Excellent work.

36: Ramanpreet Kaur (Jalandhar, Punjab), January 11, 2015, 12:15 PM.

It is hartening to know that Harinder Singh has produced a film on Guru Nanak to spread his divine message. I pray to The Almighty for the success of this movie.

37: Satvinder Kaur (Jalandhar, Punjab), January 14, 2015, 3:39 AM.

It's amazing to know about the movie on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. Looking forward to the release of this movie as early as possible.

38: Ranjeet Dhillon (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), March 04, 2015, 7:36 PM.

i am pleased that finally someone has made a movie on Guru Nanak' message to the world and his travels around the globe. Looking forward to seeing this movie soon.

39: Manpreet Singh (Jammu, J & K ), March 13, 2015, 5:09 AM.

Sounds like a great movie. Looking forward to see it ...

40: Gaurav Sharma (Bombay, India), March 23, 2015, 5:17 AM.

Looking forward to watch this movie.

41: The Singh Twins (United Kingdom), April 09, 2015, 7:23 AM.

Congratulations on taking the film to Cannes. We are looking forward to seeing it. We have read in the news online about various objections from the SGPC and others to this movie (mostly relating to the depiction of Guru Nanak and members of his family) and would like to offer our own thoughts in response to those. We fully understand and support the need and desire of any religious community to ensure that its faith is not disrespected or misrepresented in any way. As such it is not unreasonable we feel for the SGPC to seek Sikh representation on the CBFC. But we have always struggled with the opinion, held by certain sectors of the Sikh community, that it is blasphemous to depict the Sikh Gurus and their family members through art (especially film) in circumstances where such representations are obviously intended to project positive images of the lives and teachings of those respected personages and to share the proud achievements and contribution of Sikh history with global audiences. Those who object to the human depiction of the Gurus, usually argue that this goes against the tenets of Sikhism because it is tantamount to or encourages idolatry. But as far as we are aware, idolatry, which Sikhism does indeed teach against, refers strictly to the representation and worship of God in human form or as a physical object. Since the Sikh Gurus were not and have never been considered as deities or gods within Sikhism, then how does the notion of idolatry in any way, apply to their depiction? And doesn't insisting that they cannot be represented in human form, in fact, risk elevating the Gurus to the status of deities, which in itself goes against Sikh beliefs? Others argue that the ban on human depictions of Sikh Gurus and members of their family especially through film, serves to protect them against possible risk of misrepresentation and insult. However, insults and misrepresentation can be achieved as easily with words as they can with images. So why not by the same logic, ban people from also writing or talking about sacred Sikh personages? Yes - there is a need to be vigilant against the willful misrepresentation of any faith but as far as Sikhism goes, why not judge each case on it's own merit rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater? Instead of having a blinkered outlook and calling for a blanket ban on depictions of sacred Sikh personages in human form wouldn't it be better to focus on and recognize the tremendous positive benefit and good that can come from creative representations of Sikh history and the lives of the Sikh Gurus through film? As probably the most globally accessible and powerful tools of communication in the world today, are we really doing our community a service in seeking to ban films like 'Nanak Shah Fakir' whose main purpose is to inspire and promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the Sikh Religion?

42: Anmol Kaur (India), April 09, 2015, 11:47 AM.

It's my dream too to see a film based on our Gurus. Please support this movie. Many people will be against it but God's blessing is with us. Surely the movie will launch by God's grace.

43: Harinder Singh Kohli (Canada), April 19, 2015, 10:30 PM.

This is a genuine issue with our diaspora and needa a good discussion by theologists. We have a lot of discrepancies like pictures all around. There was no objection on the movie Chaar Sahibzaade, which though animated, showed the personages. The issue has been obscured by organizations with extreme views or other agendas.

44: Jagjit Singh Teji (Oak Brook, Illinois, USA), April 21, 2015, 11:39 AM.

Excellent presentation of the message of Guru Nanak Sahib. We should all watch it. I saw this movie last weekend after listening to the arguments against its screening. I felt the message in the movie was much stronger than the arguments as the movie described the elements on which the Sikh way of life began and stands even today. Please do go and watch it with friends and family.

45: Satvir Singh (Kharar, Punjab ), April 21, 2015, 12:42 PM.

The movie 'Nanak Shah Fakir' conveys all the teachings which in today's life each and every human lacks. Not only me, but million of others would be excited to watch the movie. I don't understand why such bans are introduced before the release of the film. I pray to God that the ban be removed so that the young generations can learn so much from it.

46: Roop Dhillon (London, United Kingdom), April 24, 2015, 7:41 AM.

The film has been banned in UK due to some Sikhs rushing into cinemas in Birmingham and forcing withdrawal on the allegation that it is blasphemy and now, once again, this image of the community has been televised to all. The thing I don't understand is this. If it is wrong to make a film about Guru Nanak, it is wrong to have paintings of him and mattha tek to them as well. Also if Sikhi is to flourish in the West maybe this is the best way, after all it is how Jesus has been marketed. If we are to go the same way as Islam instead, then NO depictions of the Gurus should be in any house, gurdwara or vehicle ever. Yet we do that. Also, no number of Sikhs represent the vast majority ever. People need to read the books and watch the films before deciding if they are offensive and declare that they should be banned. Also, no ban has ever been asked of the animated films? Or am I wrong since the danger lies in the risk of Bollywood distorted Sikh history? I even read one comment from a young girl who is anti the film that Guru Nanak was not human but superhuman. Really? I did not see that in the Guru Granth. I hope she meant in his ideas and personality, not literally.

47: Parmjit Sahota (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), May 01, 2015, 12:52 AM.

Amazing, unbelievable, great movie! I have seen it. I request everybody. please take your children and show them this film. It is a learning movie and those who are not aware of Guru Nanak's updesh should know. Reading books is different. But I salute the producer who, of course, did not show Guru Nanak's face. It is just computerized. Mardana's role was also amazing.

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