A new film depicting the assassination of a Canadian civil servant by a Sikh nationalist has sparked controversy. The film, which presents the act as a heroic gesture, has been linked to funding from the Canadian government and support from the British Columbia government. It also acknowledges Conservative MP Tim Uppal and Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, although Uppal's spokesperson stated he had no involvement with the film and was not consulted by the filmmakers.

Set in 1914, the film follows the story of Mewa Singh, a Sikh involved in the Komagata Maru incident. This historical event involved a ship carrying nearly 400 Indian passengers from Hong Kong to Vancouver, which was denied entry to Canada. The official narrative often emphasizes the racism faced by these passengers, a perspective that has been supported by politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who apologized for the incident in 2016.

However, the film and the historical context it portrays are more complex. The Komagata Maru voyage was organized by the Ghadar movement, which sought to incite rebellion against British rule in India. The Ghadarites, primarily Sikhs living in North America, aimed to return to India and overthrow the British Empire. Their efforts included advocating for violent resistance, particularly during World War I, when they saw an opportunity to strike against British forces.

The Canadian government’s apprehension about the Ghadarites was not unfounded. Mewa Singh, who is depicted as a sympathetic character in the film, was involved in a plot to smuggle weapons to the Komagata Maru. Following the ship's denial of entry, Singh assassinated William Hopkinson, a Canadian immigration official who had disrupted a bomb-making operation linked to Indian nationalists. This act of violence further complicated the narrative surrounding the Ghadar movement and the Komagata Maru incident.

The film has been screened in select Cineplex theaters, prompting discussions about its portrayal of historical events and the motivations of those involved. Critics argue that it presents a one-sided view of a complex historical moment, while supporters see it as a necessary acknowledgment of the struggles faced by Sikh immigrants in Canada. The film's release has reignited debates about historical memory, immigration policy, and the legacy of colonialism in Canada.