Movie row: Plot riddled with twists

‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ is embroiled in controversy over ‘human depiction’ of the first Sikh guru; top Sikh institutions have not been able to stick to their stances on it

› I appeal to all followers of Guru Nanak across the world to oppose the movie in a peaceful manner.

GIANI GURBACHAN SINGH, Akal Takht jathedar ›

If I withdraw the release, I will have to pay penalties in crores as I have already signed contracts. HARINDER SINGH SIKKA, movie producer

Jan 22, 2015 Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh issues appreciation letter to Harinder Singh Sikka, producer of the movie ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’

Apr 15, 2015 Punjab govt suspends screening of movie slated for release on April 17 for two months across state after controversy erupts; movie shown at some other places

Apr 21, 2015 Producer withdraws movie citing Takht instructions; SGPC forms 8-member sub-committee to decide

May 13, 2016 Sub-committee gives clearance Mar 13, 2018 SGPC chief secy Roop Singh emails director of SGPC educational institutions, asking him to show film to students as it was announced to be re-released on April 13

Mar 19: Letter from SGPC directs gurdwara managers to facilitate promotion of the movie Mar 28: After row erupts on social media, SGPC stands by clearance, says people protesting should first watch the movie

Mar 29: SGPC takes U-turn, says won’t allow screening in wake of concerns by Sikh devotees Apr 5-6: SGPC constitutes new sub-committee to review movie; as producer does not appear before it, committee urges Centre and state government to ban movie

Apr 8: “Parallel” jathedars “appointed” by radical bodies issue edict against the movie asking Sikhs “not to allow” release

Apr 9: Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh announces “ban”, besides deciding to set up a “Sikh censor board”