Members of Sikh groups, including Nihangs, staged strong protests on Thursday against the recently released Punjabi film Akal, alleging that it disrespects Sikh traditions and religious sentiments. The demonstrators demanded an immediate halt to the film’s screening across multiplexes in Ludhiana.
The protest was led by Pradeep Singh Ayali, president of Sikh Youth Power, who criticized actor Gippy Grewal, the film’s lead, for portraying a character in Nihang attire. Ayali and other protestors claimed that Grewal’s past roles—particularly those involving dancing with women and playing characters considered misaligned with Sikh values—made him unfit to represent Sikh history and traditions on screen.
“Gippy Grewal has previously appeared in movies where he danced with women and portrayed characters far removed from Sikh ideals. Now, he is shown wearing the Nihang attire, which is against the sanctity of our faith,” Ayali said during the protest. “Such individuals cannot authentically represent Sikh characters. Our history and sacrifices deserve respect, not commercialisation.”
The protestors entered several cinemas in the city, raising slogans and urging theater managers to suspend the film’s screenings immediately.
Police from Sarabha Nagar police station responded quickly to the scene to ensure law and order was maintained. Authorities confirmed that the protest remained peaceful, and no incidents of violence were reported.
The Ludhiana protest is part of a growing wave of demonstrations across Punjab, with Sikh groups expressing concern over what they see as a recurring pattern of religious insensitivity in Punjabi cinema. Many are calling for filmmakers to approach Sikh history and representation with greater reverence and accuracy.
As the controversy unfolds, the makers of Akal and actor Gippy Grewal are yet to issue an official statement addressing the concerns raised by Sikh groups.
Sources By Agencies
