Singh is Kinng! - a film review

<"Is Singh actually a Kinng... or the height of Bollywood's sarcasm?"> Let's see -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"With the release of the film Singh is Kinngh, Bollywood has retained its reputation of being anti-sikh and ethnically offensive to the Sikh religion. Akshay Kumar plays the role of a turbaned Sikh from a small village. Turbaned Sikh!?! Or a Sikh who wears a readymade cap throughout the entire film that simply looks like a turban?"> They did try to fix the cap issue. Of course, they cannot shoot the WHOLE film again, but they did shot parts of it again with a tied turban. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"This film propagates the comical image of a Sikh as a buffoon - the image which has been used in other Bollywood films as well. It portrays his backwardness and uncivilized behaviour as an inseparable part of the Sikh community."> Did you only watch the first quarter of the film? I suggest you watch the rest of it, I am sure you will see the transition of Happy Singh from that of a buffoon to a respected KING. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <"The film is a complete disaster with regard to portrayal of the divinity and the elegance of of a "Pooran Gursikh." "> Oh yeah? May I know what a pooran GurSikh is? Let's list the 3 golden principles: remembering god - I give Happy a 1/5 on this sharing - 5/5 honest living - 5/5 And if you include uncut hair is your Gursikh definition then may I remind you of the following quote? Kabeer, when you are in love with the One Lord, duality and alienation depart. You may have long hair, or you may shave your head bald. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"In the initial part of the film, Akshay walks around with a shabby unshaven beard and wears an untidy turban while the co-stars, Om Puri and some others, are shown clean-shaven with turbans. It's just the beginning, and it already looks bad. They remind you of those Punjabi singers who come and go all the time. The ones who themselves live as "patits" while they loudly sing the praises of Sikhism."> So shaving is patit? So all the Bhagats in the bani who shave are patits? I understand that Hair are a big part of Sikh identity, but you have to understand most Sikhs do not keep uncut hair. I with you when it comes to Om Puri, he shouldn't have had a turban, but hey who are we to say who should have a turban and who shouldn't? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"This shameful day was inevitable since we've tolerated our own boys and girls destroying the Sikhi swaroops and moulding them according to their own personal requirements. Anybody who is clean-shaven or trims his beard, or has a haircut but wears a turban over it, or who leaves his beard unshaven as a show to the rest of the world - or any other person, who, having turned his back on his Guru, considers himself to be equal to, or sometimes even superior to a baptized pooran Gursikh."> Cutting hair is turning back on Guru? I would like to see one quote from SGGS that says "Don't cut hair". I know I am going to get bashed for this lol. :) But that's OK, our Gurus got bashed too. I am just following in their footsteps. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"The film is a purely a commercial "masala film" that has been made to earn money at the expense of others' religious sentiments, which I find highly objectionable. There are only a few scenes in the film where Akhshay has tied a stiff and smart turban but most of the time he's wearing a big cap that looks somewhat like a turban."> Like I explained above, they shot many scenes again with a tied turban. You cannot expect them to shoot the whole film again! I think Akshay is trying to make up for his mistake. He released this video where he's got a full beard stuck on and a proper turban, I have to say he looks very smart. Even I would have like to see him like that in the movie, but too bad it wasn't possible. This movie is a big step towards the right direction. Oh anyone seen "Ocean of Pearls"? The guy is shown to cut his hair. Let's go bash that movie shall we? trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t7vBZUobiU ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Putting religion aside"> You don't need to, I didn't see any bits that would go against SGGS. But since you seem to have a very different definition of Sikhism anyways, so ok let us put "it" aside. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"the film, if looked at from the point of view of an ordinary cosmopolitan person is a "watch it once" entertainment with a sarcastic sense of humour."> I have to agree, I expected a bit more, but this is a big step towards a distant goal! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"But if you are seeing it through the eyes of a pooran Gursikh, it may hurt a lot since the visual identity of the Sikhs portrayed in this film is highly offensive and taking it in through your eyes gives a poisonous stimulus to the brain."> you mean a kesdhari sikh I thought you put "religion" aside? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"I got the feeling that the makers of this film are not genuinely Sikh-friendly at all, but have simply tried to make friends with Sikhs to capitalize on the Sikh identity."> That really has nothing to do with anything. If they take a big step for us, then I say let them. In fact, you must watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y83P0tiXDXo ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"The film demonstrates the real lack of knowledge of the film-makers regarding the ethnic and moral values of Sikhs including our turbans and unshorn hair."> That's ok! They are not Sikh, so don't expect them to know anything. Actually, they had the moral values bang on, but I would have liked to see Akshay close his eyes and remember the Lord, more often. :D About turbans, ya, alot of people mess that up. I have seen artwork, where the artist doesn't really know how its tied, and what they draw looks cappish. You would know what I mean if you knew who Hadji Singh is? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <"A song in the film has been shot with Javed Jaafree where he has just danced and left his hair lose."> He looked very gangster! Beautiful kesh! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"This reminds of a young Cricketer from our own community letting his hair lose to advertize a brand of liquor. This act of his was highly opposed by the Sikh hardliners and those signboards were forced to be removed from the roadside and those advertisements banned as he belongs to our own community. What's wrong these people now?"> I don't know why people were against that?!? What's the problem with having your hair down? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"The only way the film may have have done some good is in terms of mass awareness."> Yes, I agree (except for the "only" bit.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"The title itself is quite persuasive and compelling which arouses a curiosity in the audience to go and see what it is that makes a Singh a King. "> ? You went there to see what makes Singh a King? well, if you did then Happy Singh explains at the end, what is means to be a King. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"It must have impressed the portion of the population which is ignorant about Sikhi, even those of knowledge worker age, but people who have the knowledge and love of Sikhi won't learn anything new."> It's not there to teach you anything, its plain entertainment, that shows Bollywood's audience, that heck! sikhs are normal people NOT brainless fools! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Really, I can't rate it more than one star out of five"> Ok I give it a 4/5. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Fortunately, there was no direct negativity or blasphemy done in the film against Sikhism but just the usual obnoxious sense of humour which has again indirectly targeted the naivete or ingenuousness of sikhs, and which I must rate as idiotic."> Obnoxious humour? Are you sure you saw "Singh is Kinng"? There were a few brainless humour bits, but most of it was pretty good. Especially, the character of Pankaj Singh Udas, he was a fav! "Sabh Niagra mein fall kar gaye" I've never come across such a character! Loved the sad Indian classical music that played behind his dialogue. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"There's a scene in the film where Akhsay says that, "Sikhs are made to serve others". "> Any doubts? Why do we run the langar? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Does that mean Sikhs should serve all no matter what they do? "> IF you have seen the second half, you would know how Happy Singh completely changes those criminals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Sikhs should serve people even if they crush their dreams, self-esteem and even their independent identity?"> Yes, Renouncing the three qualities, I look alike upon friend and enemy. - Guru Arjan Dev, page 370, line 14 But at the same time we must make ourselves strong so that no one can crush us, our dreams, self-esteem and our independent indentity! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Bollywood tries its best to prove Sikhism as an offshoot of Hinduism which was the very reason for the 1984 protests. This raises a lot of questions about the Indian film industry and India itself."> Agreed! But not in this movie, which is one reason why I loved it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"Is India a safe land for Sikhs where their rights and their identity can be protected? Is India a truly multi-religious nation or it is just HINDUSTAN?"> I don't see how this has anything to do with the movie review. You are using non-related arguments to try and prove your point. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"I just want to put forth my own point of view and give a wake-up call to our community to distinguish between those who really care about Sikhi and those who don't."> Ok, but when you call something a movie review, I suggest, you stick to analyzing the movie not the people who made it and other things that deserve their own thread. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"I feel that we are being victimized by the media. Every time this happens, we rationalize it by calling those people fanatics who really stand for our rights and the pride in our Divine visual identity blessed to us by Dashmesh pitaah."> Let's fight against it! I invite you and everyone to the following topic http://www.sikhism.us/sikh-youth/22784-no-sikh-superheroes-why-not-what.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <"May GOD bless all and may we all enjoy the reign of Khalsa soon. -An Ordinary Sikh"> Final words: I feel, you really haven't reviewed the movie on any other level except "uncut hair". Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh - Another ordinary Sikh :)

"Through the grace of our Immortal True Lord To the entire sangat at Kabul The Guru will protect the sangat I am pleased with you all You should get initiated by the sword, from five beloveds Keep your hair uncut, for this is the seal of the Guru Accept the use of shorts and the sword Always wear the iron kara on your wrist Keep your hair clean and comb it twice a day Do not eat halal(or kosher) meat Do not use tobacco in any form Have no connection to those who kill their daughters Or permit the cutting of their children's hair Do not associate with meenas, masands and Ram-Raiyas (anti-sikh cults) Recite the Guru's hymns Meditate on `the name of the wonderful Lord' Follow the Sikh code of discipline I give the entire sangat my blessing" (Signature of 10th Guru) please note the word should, which in terms I feel and based on my english knowledge means a choice. Choice is what sets sikhism apart from all other religions. have a look at this site http://www.gurmat.info/sms/smspublications/understandingsikhismthegospelofthegurus/chapter2/

Sat Sri Akal,

I didn't read everyone's comments, so please pardon me if I repeat something. About the movie, I think there's really no need of getting offended. I strongly agree that Bollywood always represented Sikhs (especially turbaned Sikhs) as joke elements, most of the time making fun of Sardars or Sardar character in movies, and thus projecting a prototyped image that sardars are brainless jokers. You may definitely find tones of examples. Every time I would see such movie, I would feel like killing someone. Yes, I'm a non-turbaned Sikh, but I still get offended like anything. But I really didn't feel the same after watching this movie. I actually felt like I should start tying a turban again. Most of the Sikh youth are giving up their traditional identity just to look so called cool and handsome. To them, this movie may teach that being turbaned doesn't mean you can't be the glamour boy. The appearance of Sardars in the movie is not sabat soorat, but so is the majority of the Sikh population around the world.

I would like to ask my friends who found this movie disrespectful to the Sikh community if they ever found any of Harbhajan Maan's movies disrespectful? If no, then why not? Even he is a clean shaven Sikh in all of the movies. None of the Sikh Punjabi singers are sabat soorat, right from Gurdas Maan to Daler Mehndi and from Jassi Sidhu to Jazzy B. Do you ever complain? Most of the young boys in Punjab are following Jazzy B, copying his peacock hair styles and beard cuts. No body cares! Then why are you making such a big issue of the movie? Did anyone ever appreciate the brave image of Sikhs shown in the movies like 'Border'? I have seen Vivek Shouk as a Sardar in a couple of Punjabi movies acting as a comedian. Again no body got offended.

I personally believe Akshay Kumar (actor of Singh is Kinng) is more Sikh-at-heart then most of the born Sikhs. He released a gurbani album, and has praised Sikhs in all of his interviews. He said he used to go to Sees Ganj Gurudwara (Chandini Chowk) daily when he was living in Delhi.

So, I should say being Sikh at heart is more important than being a Sikh by looks. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji summarized his whole teachings in six words: Naam japo, Kirat karo, Wandd chhako. Follow this and you will realize that you are the happiest person on the earth.

Sat Sri Akal

Singh is king is not a good movie for the sikh community and bollywood is not only ruining sikh youth by showing this movie it is also creating a wrong thinking of sikhi in bollywood.Bollywood has started to show Many Types of Wrong things for other religions movie as well from time to time.Many Manmukh on this topic say the film is right in its own place.But for once lets all get together or think to bring a change naam japde hove before bollywood is the next destroyer of religion in india after aurangzeb.

Sama aa Gaya Hai Khalsa Ji Badlav Laun Da Hindustan Di Dharat Te Kale Badal Phir Chaun Lage ne.

Dhan Dasaan Patshahian.Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj

i agree with gabruhji that if they wanted to portray Sikhs..then they should have properly portrayed them...not to make fun of Sikhs...the very first time I saw the trailer and heard the song of this movie I suspected something fishy..cus it's rare how Akshay should promote the image of Sikhs..huh it's almost upsetting this movie is ridiculous..and it definetely doesn't teach anything good about Sikhs to the youth. The title song with half-naked models all in all degenerated the reputation!!!!!!!!!! the title has been given a wrong meaning to it..Singh is King..literally it's correct and even in Sikhism Singh is a surname given to all Sikh men and it means King just like Kaur means princess! I just wish these film-makers realize how they hurt sikhs by making silly movies...or instead make a good movie with true facts!

Thank you ajs1308 veer ji for supporting my views. So far comments about definition of SINGH appear to complicating for many members. I am shocked to learn that we have lost so much of our identity. Many members say that take the movie as an entertainment as there are many Singhs already making the mockery of the true identity of Singh. But at the same time we must not forget that this movie is also advertising our identity. Hero is sending wrong message to the people in the west who do not know what SINGH is. That is why some of us think that Singh Identity is being interpreted wrong and must be put right. Also my veer DEV ji, when addressing guru ji name please always put JI at the end of the name. Please. Finally, please let’s stick to the point and stop picking on each other. I also think that veer DEV ji knows a lot more about Sikhism than I do. Bless you. Wahay Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahay Guru Ji Ki Fateh

Thanks for that article. I have been reading for some time now that Bollywood presents anti-Sikh images by presenting Sikhs as buffons and by presenting Sikhism as being an off-shoot- or sword arm- of Hinduism, and I agree that it does represent Sikhism in these terms. But how long must we complain and write articles stating that this is the case? This will not achieve anything in the long term if we do not take steps to educate ourselves and the young on our religion and the history of the Sikhs. I have an immense sense of pride in what Sikhism stands for and also for the military, academic and social achievements of Sikhs in history. I am sure that all Sikhs can feel such pride in our religion and history if we all take steps to learn. In the process, it will ensure that Sikhs have enough pride in themseleves to not allow people to bring them down.

Last year I presented at a Sikh camp in the UK and suggested we need to create our own media. This is one answer. If you want to read an article I wrote as early as 2004 on how Bollywood always betrays please checkout: http://www.saviarora.com/bollywood-always-betrays/ The sad reality is that nothing much has changed. Sikhnet inspires by the way they are encouraging the annual Sikhnet Film festival. It shows that we can be creative without being crude and cool without being cunning like the likes of Bollywood moguls. Keep the Faith!

This movie completely distorts the message of what Singh actually stands for. I am completely digusted after watching the movie. The trailer was bad enough and the movie was truly digusting. But for Makkar to approve of this film after watching it is what raises questions about Sikhs leaders like him. In the movie the producers try to combine Hinduism and Sikhism as one. At the beginning of the movie the producers have Lucky shown as a Singh then when he is ill in a wheelchair Lucky is shown as a Hindu saint. Then in the same scene they have him point his finger up in the air and Happy describes to the rest he is indicating that there is one God and two seconds later he has three fingers up in the air signaling three Gods of the Hindu religion. Now look at what the film is saying about Sikhism and Hinduism then look what the RSS, Dera cheif and rest of the organizations like these are trying to do to Sikhism. Do not support this movie in anyway. If you wish to watch the film, watch it online to see for yourself what kind of message the producers are trying to send out to the world. Another thing people on some sites have said this is a good thing because it gets the message out about Sikhism. Wrong this gets the message out that Sikhism and Hinduism is one. Open up your eyes the ones that are Sikhs will always be Sikhs and the ones who are searching for the truth will find the truth. We do not need Bollywood to promote Sikhism especially in this manner. If bollywood was really trying to promote Sikhism for this movie they would have done the research on Sikhism to see what is acceptable and what is not. To put it striahgt forward as possible they produced what will sell the most seats, which means whatever makes the most money. Some say this is just entertainment and should not be taken so seriously. To some its entertainment no doubt about that, but to the Sikhs who care about their religion to them its a slap in the face.

my response was directed to the other individual who insulted us Sikhs so no need to apologise just remember they are taking away our sins each time they insult us. Vaheguruji Naam Jahaj Hai!

Forget the movie - Singh is KinnnnnnG! Please give your comments for or against this new movie released by Puppywood (The Hollywood of Punjab) "THE SIKHS ARE LOSERS; KYA KAREGA KHALSA!" Only rules are: 1) Please dont use more than 10 cuss words 2) Wait until you're sober and then post 3) Dont hold sword in your hand while typing 4) Tie your turban properly, so you can see you keypad more clearly 5) Threaten no more than 5 times Good Luck! WGDK WGDF

Its high time Bollywood made a movie insulting ISLAM. 1) They have insulted the Sanatan Dharm of Vedic Hinduism many times with "Ram Teri Ganga Maili", "Om Shanti Om"and many other dirty things made by PUNJABI REFUGEES from Pakistan (Pigstan). 2) All the dirty songs and lyrics in these films are made in URDU - the famous language of terrorists 3) This Akshay Kumar bastard was recently also in a video where he was OPENLY INSULTING HINDUISM BY SINGING "HARE RAM KARE KRISHNA KARE RAM" with nudes, etc. which is a direct attack. 4) Muslims/Pakis have to attack Hinduism and Sikhism, alternatively, to take over entire India. But if they hope to win this war by making chootiya films, then I am more amused than alarmed. Who knows, they might end up losing Pakistan, as well...

I believe the purpose if this article is to show that it's hard to be GOOD according to the parameters of True Sikhism and true Sikhs are not happy with the way a Sikh image is being portrayed in Bollywood movies.... The discussion can go on and on endlessly but I really wish that Bollywood people especially makers of this film have read this article and all the related comments.... Because people have posted some really good comments educating about Sikhi. But the fact remains that True Sikhs are very-very angry on the film and the way it's presented and bollywood should get a message about their grudges and try to empathise with them (which is really tough I think)..... Because, one can only know what Turban, uncut hair and all other religious symbols mean if he has them on his own.... I mean I know what turban(pride of a Sikh) actually is if I wear it myself. So the world should come out of their own delusions and perceptions about divinity and come to the Guru's feet for "Brahm gyaan" and removal of all thier doubts.... But i would like to say something in Punjabi.... "Main mitti meri zaat mitti, mera baabul mitti khaana, Maa meri ne mitti jammi, main mitti wich mil jaana...." And this is the ultimate fact of life..... DEATH.... But I don't know how can I thank Sikhnet to bring us so good stuff. Thank u so much Sikhnet. May you flourish and progress everyday.... Gurfateh..

I understand what most of your are saying and what view point you are coming from, but I also understand and agree with Pooja Ji. The difference between a smart person and a normal person is that the smart person stops and things about what he/she is going to say (especially on a public form). We should be taking advantage of this window of opertunity not going against it. We have just gotten our foot in and once we are in all the way you could have the Sikh actors wear 10 turbans and 10 foot beards if you want lets atleast get in!My God it is the would biggest Entertainment Industry you are being given an opertunity to get into. This can secure Sikhs for 100's of years to come once we have established ourselves, we can openly and world wide speard the message of the SGGS!

I've just returned after watching Singh is Kinng. I'm trying my level best to search for words which can describe my disgust. That's exactly how I'm feeling – 'disgusted' and more shocked than disgusted. What is disgusting is the portrayal of the Sikh character and what is shocking is how the hell have the SGPC and DSGMC allowed this movie to be screened. This movie is a 3 hr mockery of the Sikhs, anees bazmee has tried every trick under the sun to display the Sikh as: 1) A buffoon 2) A criminal. This movie has produced a new concept of the Sikh don. This don is addressed as king by his gang. A hardened criminal who rules the under world of Australia and is being hunted by the police and other criminals. On the other hand is a naïve buffoon from Punjab, who's been shunned by other villagers, due to his stupid and senseless talks and activities. This guy however has a good heart, as any other joker would have. These 2 gentlemen happen to be the kings in the movie. Wow, is this what a Singh is like or meant to be????? Is this the kingship we were given by our Tenth Master????? Another thing which has been disgraced is the Sikhi swaroop & the cherry on the cake was the dance of javed jafri (mikaa singh) with his hair open. And we are feeling proud that someone has made a movie and shown us respect and done good for our community. It's time to think again & wake up to this non sense and mockery and get these guys to shut up or else the day is not far when the all the good that we've done for this country shall be forgotten and people and they would start looking at us as kings of crime or kings of buffoonery. - simranjit harbans singh

Poojaji, right from the beginning, your thought process is running in one direction-"ENTERTAINMENT".You are not caring for what others are trying to say. Please open your mind ,or something which has concern with THOUGHT or better, keep silent.