Battle of Amritsar: Film Review

Here we share a film review of #BattleOfAmritsar by respected Sikh educator Harjinder Singh of Akaal Publishers. The film is a documentary newly release by Jung Hind Punjab through a collaboration between the National Sikh Youth Federation, Sikh Liberation Front, Wootz Films and the British Columbia (Canada) based Khalistan Centre. Screenings are currently set across the UK, in East and West coast Canada and in California. More are set to be announced. Find more info including screening info and tickets at BattleOfAmritsar.com.

The Indian government’s attack on the Sikhs’ heartbeat, Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar (Punjab), will forever be etched in the minds of the Sikhs.

The attack remains a pivotal moment in Sikh history, still influencing the modern march to sovereignty and an oppression free life. This documentary is thought provoking and inspiring. It will further fuel the rise of consciousness of chardi-kala (rising spirits), whilst giving new insights into this seismic episode of the modern era.

Should you watch it? Yes. Should you take your family? Yes.

It is all in Punjabi with English subtitles. This documentary will be most useful to those who understand native Punjabi, as they will truly capture the essence of the dialogues. English speakers will still benefit from watching it but the meanings and emotions can never truly be captured by translated subtitles.

The documentary starts slowly and old hands like me might find the first 30 minutes or so a bit slow. However, after 45 minutes you will not notice the time pass, apart from the times when you are shocked by the raw facts and realities of the battle.

You most likely will shed a tear or two. First hand eye witnesses of Bhai Mohan Singh, the nephew of Jathedar (Head) of Babbar Khalsa (Sikh resistance force) Sukhdev Singh Babbar and son of Bhai Mehal Singh Babbar, gives an in depth analysis of the battle. I have never heard such detailed and methodical accounting for the battle analysis of what the Singhs of Babbar Khalsa did in June 1984. Everyone reading this, needs to hear it. Bhai Mukhtiar Singh Mukhi of Damdami Taksal (Sikh seminary) gives an eye witness perspective from the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (Sikh fort part of the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex), again, day-by-day accounting from June 1st–6th June. That too in a very real and raw way.

Sant Jarnail Singh’s voice, archive video footage and mission, reverberate throughout the documentary. Sant Ji shines in this documentary and is electrifying every time he appears on screen.

This film should be attended in droves. Screenings should be sold out. Then it must be shown at Gurdwaras to the Sikh masses. I am somebody who attended the first 1984 protest march, wrote two books on 1984 and this whole narrative has and still is an integral part of my life, so I deeply appreciate the true value of what this documentary represents.

Just watch it. Will not disappoint.