The teaser for Hema Malini’s debut Punjabi production, Mitti – Virasat Babbaran Di, was recently released. Directed by Hriday Shetty, the teaser refers to the Babbar Akali movement in the 1920s, which was a militant faction of the movement that believed in taking up arms. The movement was aimed at overthrowing the British government through violent means and organized themselves as a military group. Though historically, it was a short-lived movement, it set an exemplary ideal of supreme sacrifice.
The teaser refers to this historical moment by giving us glimpses of a battle with the British, as we are taken back to colonial times and the struggle for freedom. In this context, the “fearless, powerful” Babbar men are unafraid of making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The teaser also alludes to the ‘purity’ of these men who fought with a single-minded goal. They are described as not indulging in any intoxicating substances, without any familial ties, and being unafraid of death.
Given the popularity of historical films and bio-pics in Hindi cinema in recent times, the trend is certainly catching on in Punjabi cinema. Sajjan Singh Rangroot (2018) was based on the experiences of the Sikhs who fought in World War I and was widely appreciated by audiences. Mitti- Virasat Babbaran Di similarly seems to be an action-packed, historical film high on adrenaline and patriotic fervor.
The film stars Rabbi Kandola, Jagjeet Sandhu, Kuljinder Sidhu, Japji Khaira and Aakanksha Sareen and is set to be released on 23 August.