Nanak Shah Fakir

***UPDATE: The film was re-released after significant editing to placate some orthodox sensitivities in India. The film has been significantly harmed by this editing. I was lucky to have watched it during its initial release in 2015. I wish for everyone's sake that the producers find a way to make the original version available - at least outside India. I'm not changing my rating officially, but I would consider it a 7 at this point. Thanks.

It is too bad that some religious sensitivities in India have kept this film from wide circulation so far. Guru Nanak is not very well understood outside the Sikhs themselves and northern India. The producer of this film has made a remarkable effort to create a film of high technical standards to address this.

The film is essentially a straight line biography. Guru Nanak's image is created through CGI, but all other characters are played live by actors. The sets, costumes and locations are well done. Cinematography is of high caliber. The music is perhaps the best aspect of this film.

The story line is essentially a string of parables - almost all of which are well known to any Sikh but would be instructive to anyone new to this topic. In my view, even though it's a biography and we all know how it is going to end, certain point of conflict and thus a climax could have been created to make the story more interesting to the broader audience. Perhaps in a future rendition.

But this can be understood by considering that the makers of this film treated the subject very carefully and in a reverent manner. Apparently to placate the sensitivities of the devout, and yet, ironically, the film has been mired in controversy in India regardless. It's a shame really as the film actually serves a very good purpose in my view.

Highly recommended.

What a beautiful movie based on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji. Loved This movie so much ,its a must watch for everyone. The movie is so captivating ...the sets ,cinematography, acting by actors ,direction,music and most importantly the soul of the movie is so beautiful that you feel you are not only watching a movie but living.Arif zakaria did an outstanding performance he played the part of bhai Mardana effortlessly,we see the journey of Guru ji through his eyes. Thank you makers for your efforts, but sadly the movie couldn't reach to many theatres due to the ban demanded by some religious extremists,i wish they haven't opposed the movie release ,so that everyone ( devotees and non-devotees of Guru Nanak) could see the movie and experience what i have experienced.there is nothing objectionable throughput the movie.more movies like this should come

This is a work of devotion; the movie and its soundtracks left you with the feeling of deep meditation. A part of the Bhakti movement era is beautifully created. For the epic scale of the story, which includes extensive travels of Guru Nanak, the use of some Indian landscapes is truly fascinating. I am in love with the visual divinity of 'Gagan Mein Thaal' song, the Aarti by Guru Nanak at Jagannath Puri.

It's obvious that the makers took the audial & visual references from the epic historical movies of roman era (e.g. Gladiator) and some movies made on Jesus. Many scenes give the feeling that they are happening in Jerusalem's street or in Israel's desert. This remark is compliment.

I did not know anything about Guru Nanak's life. Once I started watching this movie I was surprised with the craft of the movie. Great story line, excellent actors, beautiful songs and soothing background score.

I find this movie very peaceful and very skillfully made. You will learn a lot from this movie.

Dialogs are so beautifully written, these are some of my favorite.

"Naam Khumari Nanaka ... chadhi rahe din raat"

And songs I love is "Daya Kapa santok sookh". Every actor has done amazing work.

Arif Zakari is a veteran actor has done great justice to the role. Great to see Tom Alter as well.

I do not leave reviews that much unless, movie touches my heart.

I think director of this movie should get Oscar for this movie. Some people in Punjab & the world, they have battles in their own mind and try to fight with mind. Kuch to log kahenge logo ka kaam hain kehna.

I think everyone in world should watch this movie. Every time, they will watch this, they will learn something new.

Lots of blessings. Calgary, Canada.