#punjab

Ran Baas (The Abode of Queens),

Qila Mubarak, Patiala, Punjab, India

Some architecture from the area:

first of all, i have so much respect and appreciation for shaheed jaswant singh. this film had me crying from start to finish. it’s so raw, so emotional, and it forces you to sit with the pain instead of looking away from it.

what i genuinely don’t understand is why this film was banned over claims that it promotes terrorism. to me, it didn’t feel like that at all. it felt like a film trying to tell a story about grief, injustice, and the experiences of people whose voices are often overlooked. whether people agree with its perspective or not, i don’t think difficult history should automatically be dismissed or silenced.

what’s even more frustrating is the double standard. there are so many mainstream films inspired by real-life conflicts or national security issues that are released without facing the same level of scrutiny. meanwhile, a film centered around the suffering and trauma of countless punjabi families ends up being labeled as something it’s not.

and then you have films that sensationalize conflict or turn it into entertainment. somehow those are considered acceptable, but a film that asks uncomfortable questions is treated differently. that contrast honestly says a lot.

one detail that really stayed with me was kuljeet singh’s courtroom scenes. the first time, you can see how terrified he is. the fear is written all over him and he is lying ALSO USNE USME DASTAR NAHI BANNI

later, when he appears yk to testify again when he says he is afraid of rabb this time usne dastar banni hai, it felt symbolic to me. it was as if he had chosen to stand by what he believed was the truth despite the fear and the consequences. whether or not everyone interprets that scene the same way, i thought it was incredibly powerful.

also very devastating how in reality kuljeet was killed before he could testify in court.

the film also left me thinking about how many people throughout history never got the chance to tell their stories, or were unable to do so. that’s heartbreaking in itself.