Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim in a still from the film "MSG"
The controversial leader of the Dera Sachcha Sauda sect, Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim, has starred in a film that some Sikh bodies say should be banned as it could cause trouble in Punjab.
Under pressure from radical Sikh groups, the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, has asked the Punjab government to ban "MSG" or "Messenger of God", which is set to release on January 16.
The movie stars the Dera chief in the lead role and shows him as a swashbuckling hero fighting "social evils," in flashy costumes.
Sikh bodies have expressed concern that the Baba's dialogues in the film are provocative and appear to challenge Sikhs.
"The Dera Sacha Sauda has a controversial past, it may create tension in Punjab. The movie should not be released," said Mohkam Singh of the United Akali Dal.
Dera spokesperson Aditya Insaan said, "The statutory requirements for screening the film shall be fulfilled. The film respects and reveres all religions and we shall comply by all statutory requirements, as per law".
There have been frequent clashes between Sikhs and Dera followers since 2007, when Gurmeet Singh was accused of dressing up like Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru.
The Dera chief is also facing criminal cases of sexual abuse and murder at a court in Haryana.
"We will not allow the movie to be screened in Punjab," said Karnail Singh Peerzada, the chief of the radical group All India Sikh Students Federation.
The movie is believed to have been completed in less than three months and will be available in four languages, including Hindi and English.
A popular South Indian actress is reportedly the Baba's co-star in the film directed by Jeetu Arora, who last directed a popular television serial.
The Dera says the film will also have an international release. Promoters say the film's trailer, released online on Friday, has become a YouTube hit and the movie is already doing business worth Rs 500 crore.
The 47-year-old Baba is a colourful figure off screen as well and is seen in different attires and looks. He has released six music albums, the latest called "Love Chargers."
Established in 1948, the Dera cult claims a strong following in pockets of Punjab. Its chief is reportedly busy shooting for his next film.