Bandaa Singh Chaudhary Movie Review : A tale with intent but unfulfilled potential

Story: Based on true events from 1970s Punjab, the film follows a man who takes on ISI militants when they attempt to oust him from his home and village forcibly. Will he defeat the powerful forces?

Review: Set in 1975 Punjab, Abhishek Saxena’s directorial venture delves into the tumultuous era of separatism and militancy. The film starts with Bandaa Singh Chaudhary (Arshad Warsi) marrying Lalli (Meher Vij) and leading a happy life with their daughter. Tensions soon arise due to their differing faiths and a militant group’s threats, affecting his relationship with his best friend (Jeevesh Ahluwalia) and other neighbours. However, this is not an 'us and them' narrative. A more sinister plot unfolds: ISI militants have infiltrated Punjab, seeking revenge for Bangladesh's separation from West Pakistan after the Indo-Pak War of 1971. They force Hindus out, instigating youth violence, but Bandaa refuses to flee and mobilises his neighbours against the perpetrators. Can this brave minority member overcome the powerful militants?

The movie's heart is in the right place, with a noble intent of not giving into oppressors. Saxena's conviction in depicting Bandaa's bravery is palpable. The film also avoids overdramatic dialogues about unity, instead focusing on Bandaa's steadfast resolve. His simple yet powerful assertion that surrendering to militants would betray India, as one who cannot protect their home cannot protect the nation, will resonate with the viewers.

The film’s pacing and plot development, however, feels uneven, diluting its overall effect. Some sequences overstretch and do not take the narrative forward, while the climax feels rushed. The narrative lacks the crispness of a riveting tale, and the storytelling is too simplistic, making the film feel flat. It falls short of fully exploring the intrigue of the separatist movement, militancy, and politics.

Cinematographer Simarjit Suman captures Punjab's lush landscapes and stark, conflict-ridden milieu well. The fight sequence between villagers and militants showcases his skill. Anand Bhaskar and Rahul Jain’s music has quintessential Punjabi flavour. Sun Bandeya (Sukhwinder Singh and Anand Bhaskar) stands out as the film’s anthem, and Dil Mureeda (rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan, Jay Mishra, and Rahul Jain) is hummable.

Arshad Warsi, as the unshakeable Bandaa, and Meher Vij as his equally strong and brave wife deliver powerful performances. Jeeveshu Ahluwalia is decent as Bandaa's best friend, but Shilpi Marwaha impresses in her short but impactful role as his wife, particularly in angsty scenes.

With a deeper exploration of the socio-political scenario and tighter narrative, Bandaa Singh Chaudhary would have been a standout film. Instead, it doesn't reach its potential and leaves much to be desired.