The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the management of Sikh gurdwaras and the protection of Sikh religious traditions, has formally asked the makers of the upcoming animation film Hind Di Chadar not to release it, citing concerns over religious sentiments and alleged deviations from Sikh principles and historical accuracy. The film, produced by Baweja Movie Private Limited and centered on the life and martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, was scheduled for release on November 21. However, the SGPC has asserted that the project contains significant “shortcomings” and must be withheld from public screening in deference to Sikh doctrine and the orders issued by the Akal Takht Sahib.

The objection was put forward by the SGPC’s chief secretary, Kulwant Singh Mannan, who issued a detailed statement on Monday outlining the committee’s reasoning. According to Mannan, the film review committee assigned to assess the animation project discovered several issues related to the film’s depiction of historical events, its portrayal of Sikh philosophy, and the manner in which Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was represented. The SGPC maintains that such portrayals are inconsistent with the standards established by the Sikh religious authority and are likely to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Following these findings, the secretariat of the Akal Takht—Sikhism’s highest temporal authority—intervened, issuing a formal directive instructing the filmmakers not to proceed with the release. The directive was issued under the guidance of Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib, who reviewed the film committee’s report and found grounds for immediate action. The letter from the secretariat explicitly required that the screening of Hind Di Chadar planned for November 21 be cancelled.

Mannan emphasized that the SGPC’s position is rooted in long-standing prohibitions issued by the Akal Takht regarding the portrayal of Sikh Gurus in visual media. According to these edicts, Sikh Gurus may not be depicted through imagination, dramatization, animation, or any artistic interpretation, whether in films, paintings, or any other visual medium. The intent behind these prohibitions is to preserve the spiritual sanctity of the Gurus, prevent the dissemination of distorted narratives, and maintain uniformity in the representation of Sikh theology and history.

In his statement, Mannan reiterated that these edicts do not just disallow visual depictions of the Gurus themselves but also extend to characters closely associated with the Gurus and their families. As a result, the SGPC argued that filmmakers should refrain from initiating such projects altogether, as they inevitably result in artistic interpretations that may conflict with established Sikh traditions. Mannan said that the very act of representing Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib through animation—even before considering inaccuracies—violates the fundamental guidelines issued by the Akal Takht.

The controversy unfolds at a time of significant religious commemoration across the Sikh community. The year marks the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, whose sacrifice is remembered as one of the most powerful examples of defending religious freedom and human rights. Mannan stressed that releasing a film that deviates from Sikh principles during such a solemn and meaningful period would be particularly inappropriate and potentially hurtful to the Sikh Panth.

The SGPC’s objection to Hind Di Chadar is not an isolated stance but part of a broader, consistent policy to guard against any material that seeks to visually represent Sikh Gurus. Over the years, the Akal Takht has issued repeated edicts opposing commercial or artistic projects that attempt to depict the Gurus in films or other visual media. These prohibitions are rooted in the Sikh belief that the Gurus’ divine nature cannot be replicated, simulated, or reduced to human portrayal without compromising their spiritual stature. The doctrine insists that any attempts to fictionalize or creatively interpret their physical form or spiritual teachings can lead to misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and distortions that undermine the integrity of Sikh beliefs.

In light of these principles, the SGPC’s review committee evaluated Hind Di Chadar not only for historical fidelity but also for adherence to doctrinal guidelines. The committee concluded that the film was unsuitable for release in its current form. Though the specific shortcomings have not been publicly detailed, the SGPC has suggested that the discrepancies relate both to Sikh history and to the philosophical underpinnings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s life, actions, and teachings.

Mannan warned that films of this nature tend to generate unnecessary controversy within the Sikh community and beyond. Beyond the immediate emotional impact, such portrayals can have lasting implications for how future generations understand Sikh heritage and history. The SGPC underscored the need to protect the sanctity of Sikh religious icons and narratives, particularly in an era of widespread digital dissemination where inaccuracies can spread rapidly and influence broad audiences.

The SGPC’s request now places the responsibility on Baweja Movie Private Limited, the production house behind Hind Di Chadar. As of now, the filmmakers have not issued a public response to the SGPC’s directive, nor have they clarified whether they intend to withdraw the film from release or seek further consultation with Sikh authorities. The SGPC has made clear, however, that any decision contrary to the Akal Takht’s directive would be seen as a direct violation of Sikh religious authority and could invite widespread criticism from the community.

With the matter now under public and religious scrutiny, the fate of Hind Di Chadar remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the SGPC’s stance reflects the Sikh leadership’s unwavering commitment to protecting the historical and spiritual legacy of the Gurus. As the Sikh community continues its commemorations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s unparalleled sacrifice, the debate over the film serves as a reminder of the profound reverence in which the Gurus are held and the ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of Sikh traditions in contemporary society.

If you want, I can also prepare a shorter version, a neutral summary, or a background explainer on the Akal Takht’s guidelines on depictions of Sikh Gurus.