NEW DELHI, India—Controversial chief of Sacha Sauda cult Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s new film Messenger of God (MSG) has kicked off a controversy even before its release.
The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) on Sunday said that it will soon move the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a ban on the film.
AISSF president Karnail Singh Peermohammad said even the film’s teaser is controversial as it shows the dera chief challenging people (Sikhs) with the line, “Jo hamse takrayega” (who will try to confront me).
“We have demanded a complete ban on the screening of the film and have requested the censor board, Punjab government and the Akal Takht to take immediate steps to get the film banned across the world. We are also moving a PIL in the court seeking a ban on the controversial film,” Karnail Singh Peermohammad told Mail Today.
“We have even objected to the title of the film. God’s envoy cannot be a criminal. He is facing rape and murder allegations,” Peermohammad added.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann) president, Simranjit Singh Mann has also sought a ban on the film. He alleged that the dera chief was trying to tease Sikhs and they (Sikhs) will not allow the screening of the film. When contacted, Akal Takht chief Gyani Gur bachan Singh refused to comment on the film immediately and said that he will speak on Monday.
“The content of the film will hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. I will speak on the issue on Monday,” Gyani Gurbachan Singh said.
“We will wait for the release of the film and will see the contents. Will approach the censor board for a ban if anything objectionable is found,” Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said.
The movie was completed in a record 67-day shooting schedule. It will be available in four languages, including Hindi and English.
Produced by Hakikat Entertainment, the film has been directed by Jeetu Arora who has directed popular Hindi television soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Dera has not revealed much about the film but sources tell us that Gurmeet Ram Rahim is in a lead role and a popular South Indian heroine has been cast opposite to him.
Dera claims the film will break all Box Office records. It had sold over 20 lakh copies of Baba’s album Love Chargers.
