Abhishek Saxena’s upcoming film Bandaa Singh Chaudhary recently garnered attention during a promotional event in Chandigarh, featuring a lively discussion with the cast, including Arbaaz Khan, Meher Vij, and Saxena himself. The film, set against the backdrop of Punjab’s tumultuous 1980s, is described as a “labour of love” that tackles sensitive historical events.
Saxena emphasized his commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply yet are often overlooked, stating, “I always take up stories that people know but do not talk about.” To ensure authenticity, extensive research was conducted, including interviews with thousands of families and thorough examination of newspaper archives from that era. Saxena, who has personal ties to the region through his mother, expressed the importance of handling the subject matter with care to respect religious sentiments.
The film stars Arshad Warsi in the titular role as a Hindu man determined to protect his home amidst rising threats. Saxena noted Warsi’s versatility as an actor and highlighted the unique challenges both Warsi and Vij face in their roles. Meher Vij remarked on her character’s development throughout the film, which encompasses a range of emotions from drama to romance.
The event also featured performances by singers Rahul Jain and Jay Mishra, who contributed music to the film. Saxena’s previous work, Phullu, tackled social issues like sanitary pads; in contrast, Bandaa Singh Chaudhary aims to celebrate the resilience of ordinary individuals during difficult times.
Set for release on October 25, Bandaa Singh Chaudhary promises to be a poignant exploration of personal and communal struggles during a critical period in Punjab’s history
