Arshad Warsi starrer Bandaa Singh Chaudhary has undoubtedly left a profound impact on Punjab residents. The film revolves around the time when residents were forced to leave their hometown due to ruthless killing by militant groups. Arshad Warsi, who essays the titular role emerges as a ray of hope for residents who fight for their identity. This untold story of the 1980s has deeply resonated with the audience of Punjab who have recalled some horrific incidents they witnessed during that time.
Punjab residents get emotional after watching Bandaa Singh Chaudhary
Recalling the horrific incident, the resident says, “My father owned a shop in the village. People often come there to buy things. One such evening, some people came, did not listen to Papa and shot him. At the same time, my sister was washing dishes, they also shot her. After this, they entered the house to shoot my sister. My mother was in the kitchen and they also shot her. I was not at home. When I went to Pind, I saw that everyone was being taken in a trolley. My uncle lived in Ferozepur. All the dead bodies were brought there and then cremated. No one allowed me to see the faces of the dead people of my family till the last moment. But I removed the clothes from everyone’s heads and looked at their faces. I don’t want to recall that moment.”
Another victim from Faridkot gets emotional and shares, “I had 2 nieces, they were killed. I had one sister, she was also killed. Our brother-in-law was not spared either. Everyone was brutally murdered. In our family, 6-7 people were killed. At that time, the atmosphere was so dangerous that we didn’t know if we would survive until tomorrow. We couldn’t leave the house after 6 PM. There was fear of militants. Late in the evening, two people came to our house and knocked on the door. They had weapons including guns and they threatened us and the villagers. They asked us to leave the village. The atmosphere of fear increased so much that in 1977, we left thillage and went to Rajasthan. Hindus were driven out. The militants looted money from the villagers and took land and houses at a cheap price.“
For those unversed, the movie is based on true events from 1970s Punjab. Directed by Abhishek Saxena, the film is produced by Arbaaz Khan productions. It also stars Meher Vij in pivotal role.
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