A Sikh soldier fighting for the British Empire in World War One returns home to India after victory only to face even further hardships in Joseph Archer and Sky Cheema’s The Sikh Soldier.
Sikh soldiers were a huge part of the British Indian Army during World War I. Over 138,000 of them fought in Belgium and France, and more than one-quarter of them were killed or wounded. Sikh soldiers were known for their bravery and fighting skills, earning them a reputation for being among the most feared soldiers in the world. They fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Passchendaele, and post-war were awarded over 11,000 medals for their bravery and service. Their contribution to the war effort is often overlooked, but they played a vital role in the Allied victory. The co-directors and co-writers of The Sikh Soldier, Joseph Archer and Sky Cheema, want to make sure that their story is told loud and clear. In creating this fascinating piece of dramatic social history, they have certainly played their part.
Not only is Sky Cheema co-director and writer of the film, he also takes the lead role of Mohinder – a young innocent, and upstanding Indian citizen wanting to do his duty for the British Empire. His parents hold distinctly different views about the war and India’s part in it. Mohinder’s father is a true royalist and a Republican, proud of his ties to the British and his son’s decision to fight for them. His Mother on the other hand is dead against Mohinder fighting in any war, particularly on behalf of India’s oppressors. She fears for his life and believes he will not get the credit or recognition he deserves. Cheema’s performance lights up the film as a steadfast, and morally just soldier; he brings an integrity to Mohinder’s character that makes it easy for the audience to root for him.
The Sikh Soldier is 14 minutes long and is filmed mainly using internal shots. There is one shot in an outside field during the opening that transitions beautifully into what feel like images filmed on sound stages and studio floors, where the rest of the short takes place. While the lack of external shots somewhat hinders The Sikh Soldier in making it feel like a realistic war film, it does turn it into an excellent theatrical production, particularly when the direction focuses on the fantasy aspects of Mohinder’s mind as he is sometimes visited by visions of his parents in the trenches, who add their thoughts and strength to his own struggles. Thanks to some fine lighting direction these visions are often beautiful and serene, providing a stark contrast to the chaos and violence of the war. In one scene his mother’s face is filled with love and compassion, while his father gives him blessings of strength and courage.
Where The Sikh Soldier is a triumph though is in its production design. The two directors and their team have created a vivid and clear depiction of a trench on the Western Front with the uniforms, weaponry, and gas masks all authentic creations. The Sikh soldiers are particularly well-represented with their uniforms both distinctive and impressive. This sense of detail helps to create a realistic and immersive experience for the viewer with lighting effects that create a sense of foreboding and dread.
Archer and Cheema have used their platform to highlight the contribution of Sikh soldiers whose legacy is one of courage, sacrifice, and service to the Allied effort. The result is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war.
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