Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Yograj Singh, Sunanda Sharma, Dheeraj Kumar, Jagjeet Sandhu

Director: Pankaj Batra

Rating: ****1/2

So, first of all, let me just put it out there for all of you that you just cannot afford to miss this movie. It is a special movie which is going to set a new benchmark in the Punjabi movie industry. Period!

Now let's get down to the real business. A few weeks ago when the trailer was released I really liked it and was looking forward to see this movie. The movie begins with the KhalsaAid volunteers helping the refugees on the Syria-Iraq border wherein a Sikh gentleman narrates the story of a young man named Sajjan Singh (Diljit Dosanjh).

Sajjan is a typical Punjabi villager who enjoys his life but dreams of a day when his motherland would be free and the Englishmen would salute them instead of Indians doing their slavery. During all this, his father manages to get him a job in the Indian British Army for his loyal service to British. Although initially hesitant he takes up the job to spread the message of "freedom" to a larger audience. On joining the 'Lahore Division' he works hard and one day the regiment is called to fight for the Britishers against the Germans in the first world war. His father persuades him to stay but Sajjan being true to his word of never backing down takes the decision to go to Europe and fight.


Once the regiment reaches Europe they are mistreated and demeaned by the native army of Britain. Sajjan picks up fights for their rights but to no avail. In all this, they are ably led by their Commander Subedar Zorawar Singh (Yograj Singh) who keeps their spirits alive and is a fatherly figure for the whole contingent. Sajjan gets some advances from British ladies but he rejects them for he says that somebody back home is waiting for him. That somebody is his would-be bride Jeeti (Sunanda Sharma) who waits for him to arrive back home and get married.

One day the contingent is ordered to proceed to the war-front and fight the Germans. The Lahore regiment marches onwards and amidst a shower of bullets and air strikes, they are able to capture the trench. A British flag flies high with the echoes of 'Jo Bole So Nihaal!!'. There is perpetual tension, lack of food, ammunition and no backup on the battlefield for months on end. Now amidst the fight, Sajjan loses his close friends and is filled with the dilemma. He starts questioning if the blood Sikhs are shedding will ever be valued by the Britishers?

Now, what does Sajjan do amidst this dilemma in the Warfield? What would be the next move for Germans? Will Sajjan be able to return to his village and marry Jeeti? And most importantly will his dream of a free India and Britishers saluting Indians ever be fulfilled? To know all this one has to go to the theaters and watch this epic movie.


Diljit Dosanjh has done full justice to his role and deserves a standing ovation. He has truly mastered the art now and is flawless in his delivery. After Punjab 1984 this is probably his best work till date. All the hard work he has put in comes out effortlessly. Sunanda Sharma brings a wonderful charm to the screen and lights up the movie screen with her innocence. In her first movie only she has shone amidst other brilliant actors.

Yograj Singh deserves a special applause for his brilliant acting. A scene where he motivates his young Rangroots to fight for a foreign colonizing country sends chills down your spine. Other actors playing the role of Sajjan's friends Jeeta and Dheera have played their part well. A special mention to the role of "Chacha Mela Singh" who adds the spark and brings in the fun element to this intense movie. The foreign actors have also done their role well. Overall it's a big thumbs up to the casting team.

Coming to the direction of the movie, initially it feels a bit patched up for first few minutes but the movie really takes off once the Lahore division reaches Europe. It is there that the true masterclass of Pankaj Batra comes to the forefront. He beautifully weaves the story transitioning between the war-torn battlefield and dreams back home, capturing the emotions of all his characters brilliantly. There is a scene wherein Diljit fights the foreign soldiers in a mock hand-to-hand drill. One has to watch it to believe, and it gives you goosebumps. This scene will be remembered as a rare gem in Punjabi cinema.


The visuals of the movie are simply stunning and are probably the best ever in a Punjabi movie which adds to the awe factor. It is comparable to the international levels. The story is weaved wonderfully which truly connects with the audience. The movie feels smooth and flows naturally, never letting you get bored. The ending too keeps one on the edge of the seat.

Overall it is a brilliant movie. Simply, brilliant. Every person who would go to see the movie will come out with his/her head held high with pride and honour. It beautifully touches the core of the audience and that is what makes this movie stand out.

Go there and watch this movie. It's a tribute to the brave Sikh soldiers who fought valiantly in World War I and you can't afford to miss this one. Take your family and kids along because truly, as the tagline says, "Itihaas Naal Hai Pehchaan Saadi, Bacheyaan Nu Dassna Zaroori Hai"!