Directed By: Harry Baweja

Rating:****

Writing a review for movies like "Chaar Sahibzaade" is really tough. It is difficult to give expressions to some things in life. And reviewing this movie is no less than herculean task

"Chaar Sahibzaade" the epic saga of the sacrifices of the 4 sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji - the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, is one of the most historic blunders of the Mughal rulers of the times.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji lived peacefully at Anandpur Sahib. The neighboring hill Rajas and their Mughal allies became increasingly hostile towards the success of the Sikh community and their associates thriving in their midst in this region. Guru Sahib well- versed with the intentions of the Mughals and the Hill Chieftans had build 5 forts to protect the main fort of Keshgarh Sahib where he was housed with his family.

Wazir Khan was appointed the Subedar (Governor) of Sirhind by Emperor Aurangzeb; and he was constantly irked at the growing influence and following of Guru Sahib in the region. Anandpur Sahib was surrounded at the orders of Wazir Khan. The Sikhs were half-starved and weakened by the many months that the Mughals and Hill Chieftains had laid siege to Anandpur Sahib.


The five forts encircling the Keshgarh fort, being the main defensive forts bore the series of attacks and this siege led to the Guru Sahib's eventual decision to leave the city under its attackers solemn promises of safe passage to Punjab. Guru Sahib sent his 2 younger sons, Sahibzaada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzaada Fateh Singh Ji, aged 7 and 5 respectively and his mother, Mata Gujri to a safe place with his trusted cook, Gangu. They could just sail through river Sirsa on wooden logs as it was in huge spate.

In the meantime, Wazir Khan didn't keep the solemn promise and attacked the Guru Sahib and his army at Chamkaur Sahib where thousands of attackers failed to capture Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This made Wazir Khan and those hoping to kill the Guru Sahib very furious. Being very egoistic and high on the power enjoyed by him, he vowed to finish off the Sikhs, 'root and branch'.


Guru Sahib also crossed river at Sirsa later with his 2 elder sons Sahibzaada Ajit Singh aged 17 and Sahibzaada Jujhar Singh aged 13 years and some 50 Sikhs. Pir Buddu Shah housed them at his fort, Chamkaur di Gari. Such was the charisma of Guru Sahib and his Sikhs, Wazir Khan surrounded the fort with 10 lakh soldiers.

The epic saga unfolds enumerating the martyrdom of the 4 sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the conversations between Wazir Khan and the younger sons, Sahibzaada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzaada Fateh Singh Ji in the Court of Wazir Khan. The intelligence, the intellect, the wisdom, the bravery and the flamboyance of the younger siblings leaves the audience and the court of Wazir Khan speechless.

Their conduct and their sacrifice is simply unsurpassable and this movie portrays the exemplary sacrifices by Guru Gobind Singh Ji - first losing his father Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji... to protect the Kashmiri Pandits, then his 4 sons to inhumanly Wazir Khan and the Mughals of the times.


This 3D animated movie is a master piece exceptionally executed by Harry Baweja who can more or less be called a one-man-army. He scripted it, gave music, screenplay and direction. The movie is almost flawless when it comes to the different facets of it. However, the animation and character design could have been a lot better... but animation coming from the design lab in India, the venture is laudable.

The movie is a must watch and reflect for every generation irrespective of caste, colour and creed... to understand the greatness, the virtues and the indomitable and unconquerable spirit of the 10th Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Ji!