Latest news with #Akaal
New Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Violation of principles': Akal Takht directs filmmakers to refrain from making movies on Sikh historical figures
Gargaj pointed out that the Religious Advisory Committee of the SGPC had passed a resolution in 1934 strictly prohibiting the portrayal of Sikh Gurus and their family members. Similar resolutions were adopted in 1940, 2003, 2015, and 2022. The meeting was convened following the release of the film Akaal by Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal, which drew objections from Sikh organisations. The gathering included Sikh intellectuals, scholars, Panthic personalities, and artists who discussed the implications of films, animated productions, and AI-generated content related to Sikh Gurus, historical Sikh warriors, and Sikh history more broadly. Jathedar Gargaj later stated that the suggestions received during the meeting would be carefully reviewed. A committee will soon be formed to evaluate these suggestions in line with Sikh principles. A draft policy will be prepared in collaboration with the SGPC. Referring to Akshay Kumar's recent statement expressing his desire to make a film on Hari Singh Nalwa, Jathedar Gargaj reiterated that such a project would not be allowed. He emphasized that Nalwa, who was martyred in the Battle of Jamrud, is a revered figure in the Sikh community, and making films about Sikh martyrs is strictly prohibited. A statement issued by the Akal Takht Secretariat noted that scholars expressed concerns over how current technological trends pose significant challenges to Sikh identity, traditions, and philosophy. It stressed the importance of preserving and promoting traditional modes of religious engagement, such as oral traditions, Gurdwaras, and Sikh institutions. Jathedar Gargaj concluded by stating that all scholars present at the meeting unanimously agreed that the Sikh community cannot permit its heroes and martyrs to be used for commercial purposes. He emphasized that the Khalsa Panth remains clear and united in its position: no films should be made featuring representations of Sikh Gurus, their family members, Sahibzadas (sons of Gurus), Sikh martyrs, revered personalities, or Sikh religious ceremonies.
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Will come up with new policy for films on Sikh figures, says Akal Takht jathedar
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday asked the film-makers and artists to refrain from making movies on historic Sikh figures in violation of the Sikh principles and said a concrete policy would be made for the future in light of the resolutions passed by the SGPC, in past in this regard. Addressing a special gathering held on Friday at Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gargaj said that keeping in mind the earlier decisions made by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1934, 1940, 2003, 2015, and 2022 regarding films and visuals, a basic policy framework was discussed. The meeting was attended by panthic personalities, Sikh intellectuals, scholars, and Sikh artists to deliberate on films, animated productions and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos related to Sikh Gurus, their family members, historical Sikh warriors/martyrs, and various aspects of Sikh history. Scholars emphasised that current technological developments pose significant challenges to Sikh identity, traditions, principles, and philosophy. The meeting was held in the wake of the recently released movie 'Akaal' by Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal on the Sikh warriors. Objections were raised by the Sikh bodies over this movie. Giani Gargaj, while addressing the media, stated that the suggestions received during the meeting will be carefully considered and further deliberations will be conducted in accordance with Sikh principles, He added that a committee will soon be constituted to examine the suggestions and related aspects, and a draft policy will be prepared in collaboration with the SGPC. He also said that another session with Sikh experts from the field of technology and AI may be convened shortly. The jathedar also referred to recent statements by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expressing his desire to make a film on Sikh warrior Hari Singh Nalwa. He made it clear that such a film would not be permitted. He reiterated that the Khalsa Panth is clear and united in its stance that no films should be made featuring representations of Sikh Gurus, their family members, Sahibzadas (sons of gurus), Sikh martyrs, revered personalities, or Sikh ceremonies. He clarified that while decisions can progress forward, they cannot be reversed. Firm action will be taken to stop those acting against this consensus.
The Print
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Kesari 2 to Akaal, Karan Johar's Punjab project isn't paying off
During Kesari 2's trailer release in Delhi, Karan Johar stressed on his film's larger message: 'This is not a story of bravery but of the country's unity. It is not a homage, but asking for an apology from the British Empire.' Kumar's film, a sequel to Kesari (2019), follows a different story this time. It is centered around the real-life lawyer Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, who resigned from the British Viceroy's Council after learning the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Since its release on 18 April, the film, made on a budget of Rs 150 crore , has barely managed to earn Rs 30.14 crore . Jaat, made on a budget of Rs 100 crore, has already earned around Rs 75 crore. New Delhi: Karan Johar's foray into Punjab's history isn't paying off at the box office. The Bollywood producer backed two Punjab-based period films that released in April – Kesari 2 and Akaal – and both are yet to leave a mark on audiences. While Akshay Kumar's Kesari 2 received a lukewarm response in comparison to Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda's Jaat, Gippy Grewal-starrer Akaal earned just over Rs 6 crore in India in 10 days. Dharma's Punjabi language film Akaal is a period drama set in the 1840s, following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Grewal, who has also written and directed the movie, plays protagonist Sardar Akaal Singh. The movie, released on 10 April and made on a budget of Rs 10 crore, has now reportedly saturated its box office run. In March, Johar had shared his ambitions of venturing into Punjabi films with Akaal: 'It gives me so much pride to have Dharma Productions associating with the legendary & accomplished Gippy Grewal to mark our first foray into Punjabi cinema. Akaal not only represents the culture & history of Punjab but I am positive it will resonate on a deeper level with the entirety of India and beyond. Which is why we are even prouder to present Akaal being the first Punjabi film to be released in Hindi in cinemas worldwide,' the producer-director wrote in an Instagram post. Unlike Kesari 2 and Akaal, Jaat takes place in contemporary times. Deol plays Brigadier Baldev Pratap Singh, nicknamed Jaat in the film. He is pitted against Randeep Hooda, who plays the villain Ranatunga. Deol's period film Gadar 2 (2024) had made Rs 686 crore worldwide. Kesari 2, just like many of Akshay Kumar's recent films, is yet to show significant earnings despite positive reviews. It is yet to even come close to Kesari, which earned Rs 155.7 crore. Akaal, on the other hand, is trailing behind Gippy Grewal's last film Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri (2024), which made Rs 33 crore in India, and Rs 9.05 crore in 10 days.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Karan Johar breaks silence on 'Nadaaniyan' backlash
Karan Johar has finally responded to the criticism surrounding his recent production, Nadaaniyan, which launched Ibrahim Ali Khan in Bollywood. Starring Khushi Kapoor as the other lead, the film faced significant backlash for its dialogues and performances, with audiences and critics alike questioning its merit. During the trailer launch event of his upcoming production, Akaal, Karan addressed the trolling and criticism head-on, reported The Indian Express. When asked about the negative reception of Nadaaniyan, Johar quoted an old Bollywood song, saying, "I'll just quote an old film's song: Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna / Chhodo bekaar ki baatein, beet na jaaye raina." He acknowledged the inevitable nature of public opinion and suggested that people will always have something to say, regardless of the situation. Karan also shared his perspective on harsh reviews from critics and online trolls, stating, "My relationship with the critics never changes towards them according to their reviews. That is your work. I don't have any conspiracy theory that they are doing it deliberately to bring down the film." He made a distinction between critics and online trolls, emphasising that trolls often operate anonymously and use social media as a platform to vent personal frustrations. "Sometimes it's the trolls who are doing this. Nameless people for all we care, and that's their personal problem that they are projecting on us. I just pity them, nothing else," he added. Critics vs trolls However, Karan drew the line at certain types of criticism. He recounted an instance where a critic expressed a particularly harsh sentiment, saying they wanted to "kick this film." He strongly disagreed with such remarks, arguing that actors and filmmakers are human beings with families who also read these comments. "I genuinely respect all the critics. But when you read certain things, you think they are someone's daughter and son, their parents also read those things." In his characteristic style, Karan also playfully referenced some of his past film titles to make a point. "I don't have a problem with any critics. We accept your criticism, but we have our own Nadaaniyan, Gustakhiyan, and Gehraiyaan," he quipped, drawing cheers from the audience. He reiterated that criticism often says more about the critic than the film itself. Nadaaniyan is a teen romantic comedy directed by Shauna Gautam in her directorial debut. Released on Netflix on March 7, it opened to largely negative reviews, with audiences criticising its dialogues and the performances of the lead actors. The film also features Archana Puran Singh, Meezaan Jafri, Dia Mirza, Jugal Hansraj, Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, and others in supporting roles. Johar also took the opportunity to promote his upcoming Punjabi film, Akaal, directed by Gippy Grewal. This marks Karan's first venture into Punjabi cinema as a producer. The film stars Nimrat Khaira, Nikitin Dheer, Gurpreet Ghuggi, and others in key roles. Announcing the collaboration on Instagram, Karan expressed his excitement, writing, "Our happy faces lapping up all the excitement that you guys showed for our collaboration - Akaal! Standing tall on the cusp of changing horizons of films - marking our entrance into Punjabi cinema with the strongest, kindest & warmest hands to guide us through - Gippy Grewal and team. Thank you for being our pillars of strength, we cannot wait to experience this magic with you. It's true, true Punjabis have big hearts. Thank you for giving us a home in your hearts and in your cinemas. Akaal [is] releasing worldwide in cinemas on April 10, in Punjabi and Hindi."
Khaleej Times
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Here's to a start of a great partnership': Karan Johar on collaboration with Gippy Grewal
Filmmaker Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has announced its collaboration with actor-singer Gippy Grewal for the Punjabi film Akaal. This will mark Dharma's first foray into Punjabi cinema. Taking to his Instagram, Johar wrote, "It gives me so much pride to have Dharma Productions associating with the legendary & accomplished Gippy Grewal to mark our first foray into Punjabi cinema. Akaal not only represents the culture and history of Punjab but I am positive it will resonate on a deeper level with the entirety of India and beyond." He added that it will be the "first Punjabi film" to be released in Hindi. "Which is why we are even prouder to present Akaal being the first Punjabi film to be released in Hindi in cinemas that the magic of cinema continues to conquer beyond borders. @gippygrewal , here's to a start of a great partnership and hope we continue to meet where cinema begins! Akaal releasing in cinema worldwide on 10th April, 2025 in Punjabi & Hindi," he wrote. Dharma Productions shared the announcement, "Epic tales are meant to be told together!Dharma Productions and Humble Motion Pictures Fzco join forces to bring you AKAAL in Punjabi & Hindi. # Akaal releasing worldwide in cinemas on 10th April, 2025" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dharma Productions (@dharmamovies) Akaal has been written and directed by Gippy Grewal. He also stars in the film. It will hit theatres on April 10 in Punjabi and Hindi.
