Op/Ed: Brief Review of the Movie “Chaar Sahibzaade”

The animated movie “Chaar Sahibzaade” is based on the lives and historical events leading to the shaheedi of the all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.  The plot of the movie starts in Anandpur Sahib, showing the upbringing of the Sahibzaadas and giving glimpses of other family members of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.  While the Sahibzaade and other characters are depicted through animation, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s character is only shown through pictures.  While the tone of the movie is definitely emotional and sad, there are certain times when humor is also introduced.

Although the movie is showing only in Punjabi throughout Western countries, subtitles are provided for non-Punjabi speakers.  The movie explains the historical aspect of the martyrdom of the Sahibzaade very well, and even those without much knowledge of the Sikh history and culture will be able to grasp most concepts.  Having some understanding of Sikh history will definitely be a plus, however the movie seems to have been directed keeping younger generation in mind, to help them easily understand some of the concepts of Sikh religion.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons and other Gursikhs have been showing wearing traditional Sikh attire.  Even Sikh women have been shown wearing dastars and nihung-style dumale, keeping Sikh history in mind.

The movie sheds light on one of the most horrifying battles ever fought, in which a handful of Sikhs defended a fort in Chamkaur Sahib, against a strong army of one million.  The movie shows courage of the Singhs, along with the two older sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who were martyred during the battle there.  Sikhs are shown as courageous warriors, with uttermost faith in the will of God.

After the battle of Chamkaur Sahib, the movie shifts focus towards the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Gujar Kaur ji, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.  There have been some complaints after Mata Ji’s character being too emotional, and not strong like that of Mata Bhag Kaur Ji.  A common misconception that Mata Ji jumped off the “Thanda Burj” after assassination of the younger Sahibzaade is cleared as Mata Ji is shown take her last breaths after completion of Jap Ji Sahib path.

In addition to the role of the Sahibzaade, much emphasis has also been paid on the life of Mata Bhag Kaur towards the later part of the movie.

The movie definitely touches every heart and leaves the viewers inspired by the noble lives of Sikhs.  The movie is based on true life events, and not mere fictional novels.  When providing any critism over the movie, one must realize the hardships that must have been faced by the crew in remaining in line with Sikh principle of not allowing persons to play role of Sikh Gurus.  Furthermore, “Chaar Sahibzaade” is one of the first Sikh 3D movies ever produced.  It’s a good start, and we hope to see such projects continue in future.

Similar to the Chaar Sahibzaade, the Chandigarh based Vismaad Productions has also released 5 animated movies based on Sikh history.  These movies have been appreciated much in the West, and unlike the Chaar Sahibzaade, they were never released on a big scale in Punjab and India.  Please take your entire family to watch the movie in theaters, don’t wait for the DVD.

Please email us if you would like to submit a review of the movie.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I have watched this movie many times. I still have urge to see it again. It inspire as I know it is based on true story of history. I see history in visual motion. I do not need to imagine that what Indian Saints/ Gurus did for us spiritually & justice & protect people from cruelty. It is very emotional & sentimental to visualise the truth infront of our eyes in motion. Only thing which I felt was that technology of animation is not of world class. The fact which Baweja could not understand that Gurus’ all family members were highly advance disciple of Gurus, which made them distinct from common people.

  2. I am a singaporean. This movie is not showing in singapore why. In singapore no punjabi movie is shown. But Chaar Shaibzaadi is a must see movie for all sikh in singapore and all world . Please bring this movie here in singapore. And also is good that the movie will also be in English so all the world will knew what is our sikh story about. Tks

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