A recently released film titled _Guru Nanak Jahaz_ has sparked controversy for its portrayal of historical events related to the Khalistani movement. The film, which depicts the assassination of a Canadian civil servant by a Sikh nationalist as a heroic act, carries a credit stating it was "Funded by the Government of Canada." It also received support from the British Columbia government and acknowledges Conservative MP Tim Uppal and Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal.

Uppal's office clarified that he was not involved in the film and had no communication with the filmmakers regarding the credit. The film is set in 1914 and follows the story of the Komagata Maru, a ship that carried nearly 400 Indian passengers from Hong Kong to Vancouver, only to be denied entry into Canada. Earlier this year, it was screened in select Cineplex theaters.

The official narrative surrounding the Komagata Maru incident often emphasizes Canadian racism. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an apology in 2016, and the Conservative Party annually commemorates the event, highlighting the bravery of the passengers. However, critics argue that this narrative overlooks the historical context of the Ghadar movement, which organized the voyage. The Ghadar movement, primarily composed of Sikhs in North America, advocated for violent resistance against British colonial rule in India.

As tensions rose in 1914, the Ghadarites sought to incite a rebellion in India, believing that the outbreak of World War I presented an opportunity to strike against British rule. The movement's newspaper encouraged members to return to India and incite mutiny among native troops. The Komagata Maru was part of this effort to bring more supporters to Canada.

Concerns about the ship's passengers were heightened due to the involvement of individuals like Mewa Singh, who had previously attempted to smuggle weapons to the Komagata Maru. Singh later assassinated Canadian immigration official William Hopkinson, who had disrupted a bomb-making operation linked to Indian nationalists. The film portrays Singh as a sympathetic character fighting for justice, while depicting white Canadians, including Hopkinson, as antagonists.

The film's narrative culminates in Singh's assassination of Hopkinson, which is framed as a moment of justice. Critics note that the film lacks self-awareness, seemingly endorsing political violence. The Ghadar movement's legacy is linked to contemporary Khalistani activism, which seeks an independent Sikh state in Punjab. This movement has been associated with significant acts of political violence in Canada, including the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182.

The film's portrayal of historical events raises concerns about legitimizing political violence and oversimplifying complex historical narratives. Critics argue that it perpetuates a narrative that paints Canada and its citizens as fundamentally cruel, ignoring the valid fears surrounding violent nationalist movements during wartime. The film's depiction of Hopkinson as a villain contrasts sharply with the historical context of his service to his country, highlighting the complexities of the events surrounding the Komagata Maru incident and the Ghadar movement.