TAASIR :– S M HASSAN –12 Dec
AISSF Appeals to ‘Animal’ Film Makers: Swiftly Address Sikh Concerns in Current Film and Future Sequels
Sikh Community Urges CBFC to Rectify Sikh-sensitive Scenes in ‘Animal’ Film: AISSF
New Delhi December 12, 2023: ( ) The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), led by Patron Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad and President Advocate Parminder Singh Dhingra, vehemently denounces media reports associating the song ‘Arjan Vailley’ from the film ‘Animal’ with the revered Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji. AISSF categorically states that no such press statement linking the Guru’s name to the film has ever been issued.
In light of this misrepresentation, Mr. Peer Mohammad highlights the following objections raised by AISSF regarding certain scenes in the film ‘Animal’:-
1. Scene: Ranbir Kapoor blowing smoke on the face of a Gursikh man while smoking a cigarette.
Objection: This portrayal disrespects the Sikh identity and violates our community’s cherished values.
2. Scene: Distortion of a Shabad of Saint Kabir Sahib.
Objection: Misrepresenting the teachings of such a revered saint can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
3. Song: ‘Arjan Vailly,’ depicting an atmosphere of hooliganism.
Objection: Promoting such content, particularly in Punjab and India, may incite violence and disrupt social harmony.
4. Scene: Final scene where Ranbir Kapoor places a butcher knife on the beard of a Gursikh man.
Objection: This act goes against the principles of Sikh doctrine, which emphasize respect and dignity for the Sikh identity.
AISSF urges immediate corrective action if any media outlets have attributed the name of Sri Guru Gobind Singh with the song ‘Arjan Valley’ in the film.
Furthermore, Advocate Parminder Singh Dhingra suggested that if a sequel to this film is planned, it is crucial to address and rectify any issues in the current part promptly. He also stressed the importance of future caution, taking into account the sentiments of the Sikh community. In addition, he urged for the inclusion of a Sikh representative in the CBFC to ensure adequate representation and understanding.
Additionally, AISSF intends to request the esteemed Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the President of (SGPC) Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, to lodge a formal complaint against the film. AISSF sincerely hopes that the (CBFC) Central Board of Film Certification will conscientiously address this matter with utmost care.
In light of these concerns, AISSF has also reached out to Mr. Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of CBFC, requesting the removal or amendment of objectionable scenes pertaining to the Sikh community in the film. -END-
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:-
Advocate Parminder Singh Dhingra
President, AlSSF – M.no. 9914033333