'Sarabha,' a Punjabi film that chronicles the life of Indian revolutionary Kartar Singh Sarabha, who was executed by the British at the age of 19 in Lahore in 1915, has received an overwhelming response from audiences in Canada and the US as it made its global theatrical debut last Friday.
Kartar Singh Sarabha's tragic fate as one of the youngest Indians to be executed by the British served as an inspiration for renowned revolutionary Bhagat Singh.Directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Kavi Raz, 'Sarabha' stands as the first-ever Punjabi film to open in a staggering 55 theaters across the US, complete with English subtitles. Additionally, in Canada, the movie is being showcased in various theaters in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and more.
Director Kavi Raz, buoyed by the remarkable reception of his film, conveyed his thoughts: "Sarabha isn't your typical Punjabi film; it's a historical testament to the pivotal role played by Gadar heroes in India's struggle for independence. Sarabha, a young 19-year-old, gave his life for his motherland and became an inspiration for the great revolutionary Bhagat Singh."
Kavi Raz continued, "The response to 'Sarabha' has been overwhelming. Advanced bookings have seen a surge in demand, marking a novel trend for a Punjabi film in North America. People in places like Surrey (Canada) and Fresno (US) have taken the initiative to print and distribute posters and flyers to promote this patriotic film. I am deeply moved."
The director expressed his intent to meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and request the inclusion of the film in the school curriculum to impart inspiration and pride to future generations of Punjabis.
Kartar Singh Sarabha, who hailed from Sarabha village, now part of Ludhiana, ventured to the US at the tender age of 15 to pursue studies at the University of Berkeley. However, upon his arrival in the US, he became involved in the Gadar movement initiated by Indian expatriates on the west coast of the US and Canada, all united in their quest to liberate India from British colonial rule.
Filmed in locations spanning Ganganagar in India, Canada, and the US, 'Sarabha' features Chandigarh native Japtej in the leading role of Sarabha. Kavi Raz himself portrays the character of the prominent Gadar leader, Sohan Singh Bhakna, in the film.
After his 2017 film, 'The Black Prince,' which focused on Maharaja Duleep Singh, 'Sarabha' represents Kavi Raz's second cinematic endeavor dedicated to chronicling the lives of historical Punjabi figures.