In the 1980s, Punjab, once known for the verses of Guru Granth Sahib and the poetry of Bulleh Shah, was engulfed in turmoil, with militant threats overshadowing peace. The ISI’s covert involvement only deepened the wounds in the state, and Bandaa Singh Chaudhary brings this troubled time to the big screen. Loosely based on true events, the film depicts the Hindu exodus and rising communal tensions in Punjab.

The Story of Banda Singh Chaudhary

Banda Singh (Arshad Warsi) shares a deep bond with his friend Tajender (Jeevshu Ahluwalia). His love story with Lalli (Meher Vij) is charming yet brief. When they marry and start a family, their joy is disrupted as extremists demand Hindus leave Punjab. Banda, despite Tajender’s warnings, stays in his village, defiant. The militant leader Bagga (Shataf Figar) warns villagers not to assist Banda. Tajender pays with his life for standing by his friend, while his widow (Shilpi Marwah) distances herself from Banda. The story explores how Banda and Lalli confront their isolation and resistance against extremist threats.

Film’s Take on Punjab’s Dark Chapter

During the height of the Khalistan movement, Punjab faced violence that history books still recount with fear. However, the film omits the movement itself, focusing instead on Banda’s personal story. The screenplay, by Shaheen Iqbal and Abhishek Saxena, lacks the emotional intensity one might expect from such a sensitive subject. Villagers react to militant threats with surprising apathy, diluting the fear once felt in real-life Punjab. Attempts to create tension through music miss their mark, and character portrayals feel incomplete.

Arshad Warsi’s Struggle with the Role

Playing Banda, Warsi seems out of place, failing to blend into his character’s rural surroundings. His dialect, expressions, and appearance feel disconnected from the character’s background, evoking memories of his comedic “Circuit” role. Script inconsistencies, such as the depiction of police and Banda’s understanding of Bagga’s identity, further weaken the narrative.

Memorable Performances in Supporting Roles

Though flawed, Bandaa Singh Chaudhary shines in its supporting cast. Shilpi Marwah and Jeevshu Ahluwalia make a strong impression in their scenes, adding depth to the film. Meher Vij as Lalli is compelling, and Shataf Figar’s portrayal of Bagga, while incomplete, suits the role of the antagonist well.

While Bandaa Singh Chaudhary attempts to capture a dark era of Punjab’s history, it falls short of delivering the emotional impact of its subject matter. The film leaves audiences with a fragmented view of a painful chapter, where moments of brilliance are overshadowed by its missed opportunities.