Gippy Grewal's Ardaas threequel is bite-sized nuggets of life lessons

Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di, the third instalment in the acclaimed Ardaas series, is a cinematic exploration of faith, personal struggle and redemption.

Directed and written by Gippy Grewal, this film continues the legacy of its predecessors by delving into the intricacies of the human conditions through a deeply spiritual narrative.

The third part effectively packs bite-sized nuggets of life-lessons that remain relevant beyond time.

The story centres on a pilgrimage to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, bringing together a diverse group of characters whose personal journeys intertwine as they travel together. A visual treat, mostly, this movie can replace that self-help book that many of us refer to occasionally.

The film opens with Gurdyal Singh (Malkeet Rauni), a Canadian resident who sets out on this pilgrimage with the hope of spiritual renewal. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he suffers a partial paralysis, prompting his estranged son Sahej (Gippy Grewal) to join him. This strained father-son relationship, marked by unresolved grief and estrangement, forms the emotional core of the film.

Sahej, a workaholic grappling with guilt and anger over his mother’s death, is forced to confront his own demons as he accompanies his father on this pilgrimage. Their journey is interspersed with encounters with other pilgrims, each carrying their own burdens and seeking their own forms of redemption. Through these interactions, the film presents a variety of human experiences, each story reflecting broader societal issues and personal struggles.

Jasmin Bhasin plays Bani, a once-vibrant young woman who has descended into gloom due to tragic circumstances. Her transformation from hope to despair is depicted with emotional depth, offering a poignant commentary on the impact of personal loss. Prince Kanwaljit Singh portrays Sadhu Singh, a father overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for his disabled daughter. His story adds a layer of emotional intensity, highlighting the challenges faced by caregivers and the impact of societal neglect.

Gurpreet Ghuggi’s portrayal of Gurmukh Singh, the spiritual guide of the group, is central to the film’s narrative structure. Through his dialogues, verses from Gurbani are sprinkled thoughtfully, touching your heart without sounding preachy. As the sutradhar, or narrator, Ghuggi’s character provides wisdom and insight, guiding the pilgrims and encouraging them to reflect on their own lives. His presence is a thread that connects the various stories, although his own character is not without flaws. Ghuggi brings a nuanced performance that balances warmth with the complexity of his character’s own internal conflicts.

Gippy Grewal’s dual role as director and actor showcases his ability to handle both emotional depth and narrative complexity. The film’s strength lies in its character-driven storytelling and the way it delves into themes of faith, redemption, and human resilience. And performances by veterans, including Sardar Sohi, Rana Jung Bahadur, Nirmal Rishi, Rupinder Rupi add to the strength of the story.

However, Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di struggles to balance its thematic ambitions. The film attempts to tackle a wide range of social issues, including generational conflicts, gender disparity, and alcoholism. While these issues are relevant and significant, their inclusion sometimes feels overwhelming.

The pacing of the film also suffers from unevenness. The first half of the film is slow, focusing extensively on setting up the pilgrimage and Sahej’s background. The story only begins to gain momentum in the latter half. While halts are a natural progression of a road trip, those long scenic stops do add a touch of superfluousness to an otherwise serious story.

The film’s cinematography by Baljit Singh Deo is visually striking. The depiction of the pilgrimage route and the picturesque landscapes add a layer of visual allure that complements the film’s spiritual undertone. The soundtrack, featuring devotional and reflective songs, enhances the emotional impact of the story, even if the film’s length and pacing occasionally undermine its effectiveness.

Ultimately, Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di is a film that succeeds in creating an emotional and spiritual journey for its audience. Its strengths lie in its powerful performances and the way it portrays the transformative power of faith and reflection. As the title suggests, the movie beautifully shines light on the true meaning of prayer (ardaas). It’s surely worth experiencing, and if you are someone who appreciates art that explores a personal and spiritual dimension of life, this one offers a moving experience that resonates long after the credit roll.