Sarbjit is a 2016 Indian biographical drama film about Sarabjit Singh, who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1991 and then consequently spent 22 years in prison for alleged terrorism and spying. Directed by Omung Kumar, the film stars Randeep Hooda as Sarabjit Singh, Aishwarya Rai as his sister Dalbir Kaur, Richa Chadda as his wife Sukhpreet Kaur, and Darshan Kumar as his lawyer Awais Sheikh.

The film follows the struggle of Dalbir Kaur to prove her brother's innocence and free him from the Pakistani jail. She enlists the help of Awais Sheikh, a human rights activist and lawyer, who believes in Sarabjit's case and fights for his justice. The film also depicts the torture and humiliation that Sarabjit endured in prison, as well as the emotional turmoil of his family.
The film begins with Dalbir Kaur giving birth to a stillborn baby girl. She leaves her abusive husband Baldev and moves in with her father and brother Sarabjit. Sarabjit works as a farmer and is a loving husband and father to his wife Sukhpreet and their two daughters Poonam and Swapandeep. One night in 1990, after getting drunk, he accidentally crosses the border and arrives in Pakistan, where he is arrested by the Pakistani army. He is tortured and interrogated for months, before he is able to send a letter to his family informing them of his captivity.
Dalbir Kaur decides to fight for her brother's release and contacts various politicians and media outlets in India. She also travels to Pakistan to meet Sarabjit, but is denied permission. She learns that Sarabjit has been convicted as Ranjit Singh, an Indian spy and terrorist who was involved in bomb blasts in Lahore. He is sentenced to death by hanging. Dalbir Kaur appeals to the Pakistani government and courts to review Sarabjit's case, but her pleas are ignored or rejected.
In 2012, after 22 years of imprisonment, Sarabjit's family is finally allowed to visit him in jail. They are shocked to see him as a frail and broken man, but he is overjoyed to see them. He tells them that he loves them and asks them to forgive him for his mistake. He also expresses his hope that he will be released soon, as his death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment by the Pakistani president.
However, a few days later, Sarabjit is attacked by fellow inmates in his cell. He suffers severe head injuries and falls into a coma. He is taken to a hospital, where Dalbir Kaur and his family rush to see him. They pray for his recovery, but he succumbs to his injuries and dies on May 2, 2013. His body is brought back to India, where he is given a state funeral and honored as a national hero.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the performances of the lead actors, especially Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai, and the emotional impact of the story. Others criticized the film for being melodramatic, biased, and poorly executed. The film also sparked controversy in Pakistan, where it was banned for allegedly portraying a false and negative image of the country.
Here are some excerpts from the reviews:
"Sarbjit is a film that hammers home its point with relentless, bludgeoning force. It is a well-intentioned film that is unable to convert its noble intentions into a consistently compelling drama. It is a film that is more noise than substance." - Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV
"Sarbjit is a brave attempt to bring to light a story that needed to be told. It is a film that makes you feel for its characters and their plight. It is a film that showcases the power of love, courage, and sacrifice. It is a film that deserves to be watched and appreciated." - Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama
"Sarbjit is a film that tries to do justice to its subject, but fails to do so due to its flawed execution. It is a film that relies too much on melodrama, manipulation, and jingoism. It is a film that wastes the talent of its actors and the potential of its story." - Shubhra Gupta, The Indian Express
Sarbjit is a film that tells the tragic story of Sarabjit Singh, who spent 22 years in a Pakistani prison for a crime he did not commit. The film features powerful performances by Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai, who portray the agony and resilience of Sarabjit and his sister Dalbir Kaur. The film also highlights the human rights violations and political tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the film also suffers from being overly sentimental, one-sided, and poorly directed. The film may appeal to those who are interested in Sarabjit's case or enjoy biographical dramas, but it may not satisfy those who are looking for a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the issue.
6500f7198a