Bandaa Singh Chaudhary director on film being termed anti-Sikh: Not bothered...

Bandaa Singh Chaudhary director Abhishek Saxena addresses accusations of the film being anti-Sikh, emphasising its themes of unity and love while dismissing social media negativity.

In Short

• Bandaa Singh Chaudhary released last week to lukewarm response
• The film is perceived as anti-Sikh, but the director clarifies it's about unity
• He is unfazed by social media negativity

Arshad Warsi-led Bandaa Singh Chaudhary was released in cinemas on Friday, October 25, to a lukewarm response. Directed by Abhishek Saxena, the period drama depicts how Hindus faced the aftermath of the 1971 India-Pakistan war in Punjab, where militants from both countries created a communal insurgency, leading to innocent casualties.

Since the trailer dropped, many have perceived the film as anti-Sikh due to its portrayal of Sikhs with weapons. However, Abhishek, in an exclusive chat with India Today Digital, clarified his stance, emphasising that the film is more about unity than violence.

When asked if it was stressful to see the film receiving negativity on social media, Abhishek stated, "I am not bothered at all. We have stuck to facts and shown the reality. People will say all kinds of things, but there's no negativity or stress among the team. Honestly, our film talks about unity and love; it promotes national integration. I think once people watch our film, they will understand what we are trying to say. Our characters stand for courage and togetherness, and not talk about violence."

He added that social media is often abuzz with negativity. "There is a section of people who enjoy doing this. Har cheez mein nuks nikaalte hain (They find shortcomings in everything). As filmmakers, actors, or even as common people, I don't think we should take it seriously. We believe in our final product and are waiting for the world to see it."

Reflecting on his journey with Bandaa Singh Chaudhary, Abhishek noted that everything fell into place, from casting Arshad Warsi and Meher Vij to collaborating with co-producer Arbaaz Khan.

Arbaaz expressed his connection to the story, "It's such a beautiful tale and has been well told, and well performed. You cannot help but be engrossed in it. I had heard about the story a long time before through Manav (Manav Vij) and was very keen to be involved in it. When the time came, I grabbed the opportunity, and we are doing our best to take it to a larger audience."