A battle line is firmly drawn!

Jasmine Singh   

Sajjan Singh Rangroot...whatever fate it takes eventually, in times to come, this Punjabi film will be known for its excellent cinematography, inspiring dialogues, and a well-researched storyline that will set a new benchmark in Punjabi film industry.

Based on the Sikh soldiers who contributed in World War I, the film, written by Gurpreet Singh Palheri, opens a chapter of history, which a good number of Punjabi audiences are not aware of. Though a thorough research would have added to the film, given that Sajjan Singh Rangroot is the first Punjabi film on World War 1, the effort is applaudable. 

Director Pankaj Batra has created a believable atmosphere of the war, of emotions running high, of laughter in times of a grave situation. 

In fact, Sajjan Singh Rangroot transports you to a Hollywood war movie sets, minus of course, a few dramatic elements. 

The movie also stars Ravinder Singh, founder of Khalsa Aid and Amardeep Singh, Khalsa Asia-Pacific director in a short yet important role. The real star of the movie is of course Sajjan Singh, Diljit Dosanjh himself. We have seen Diljit enact fun, easy-going and even emotional roles, but Sajjan Singh Rangroot brings out his intensity of an actor in a perfectly measured manner. His role of a Sikh soldier who says his dialogues with force and conviction, laughs in a measured manner, gives us a subtle touch of romance, again in a measured manner, is totally commendable. 

Then, of course, you cannot miss the rich baritone of Yograj Singh, who plays Subedar Zorawar Singh in the film. Though Yograj plays his character convincingly, we wish it was little more inspiring. Jagjeet Sandhu is yet another character you cannot miss in the film. He is a delight to watch on screen. The same holds true for Dheeraj Kumar as well. 

Sajjan Singh Rangroot marks the acting debut of Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma in a short and sweet role. Given this is Sunanda’s first film; she has delivered a paisa wasool performance.

Jatinder Shah has done a brilliant job with the music which falls with the theme.

jasmine@tribunemail.com