Bollywood
Special Screening of 695: Sadhus and Saints Gather for Ayodhya’s Saga
A special screening of the Hindi film 695, chronicling the monumental 500‑year struggle for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, was held at the PVR Plaza in Connaught Place, New Delhi. This exclusive event drew a distinguished assembly of sadhus, saints, and spiritual dignitaries.
The Film: A Saga of Faith and Perseverance
695 traces pivotal events in the long journey towards the construction of the Ram Mandir temple. Its very title encapsulates three landmark dates:
- December 6, 1992: The demolition of the Babri structure
- November 9, 2019: The Supreme Court verdict in favor of the temple
- August 5, 2020: The historic Bhoomi Pujan (foundation-laying) ceremony
The film—directed by Rajneesh Berry under Shadani Films, produced by Shyam Chawla—boasts a strong ensemble cast including Arun Govil, Govind Namdev, Mukesh Tiwari, Manoj Joshi, and others
Arun Govil, best known as Lord Rama from the classic Ramayan, described the film as more than a movie—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and the triumph of faith
Spiritual Luminaries at the Special Screening
A number of esteemed religious leaders graced the special screening:
- Yudhishthir Maharaj of Shadani Darbar
- Pt. Ram Naresh Tiwari Maharaj, International Executive President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad
- Sadguru Dr. Charudatta Pingale, National Guide of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
- Advocate Alok Kumar, VHP spokesperson
- Suresh Chavhanke, Editor of Sudarshan TV
- Indresh Kumar, leader of the RSS
- And actor Arun Govil himself
All were honored during the event as the film’s themes deeply resonated with the audience’s spiritual and cultural sentiments.
Sadguru Dr. Pingale captured the film’s essence beautifully, noting that the 505-year-long struggle of Hindus for the Ram Temple is poignantly portrayed in this two-hour cinematic experience. He also saw the film as a stepping stone toward the spiritual liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the ultimate vision of a Hindu Rashtra .
Conclusion
The screening was not just a cinematic event—it became a spiritual gathering where faith, history, and culture intersected. With such a powerful presence of sadhus and saints, 695 is positioned as more than a historical drama—it is a heartfelt tribute to centuries of devotion and perseverance.
Introduction
In a heartfelt tribute to India’s centuries-old spiritual legacy, the Hindi film 695: The Ayodhya Story held a special screening in New Delhi, attended by an esteemed gathering of saints, sadhus, and religious leaders. Hosted at PVR Plaza, Connaught Place, the screening transformed a cinematic event into a spiritual congregation, with notable figures from the Hindu community celebrating the essence of the film—faith, resilience, and the victory of dharma.
The Meaning Behind the Title ‘695’
The title 695 is more than a number—it’s a powerful timeline:
- December 6, 1992: The demolition of the Babri structure
- November 9, 2019: Supreme Court’s landmark judgment favoring the construction of the Ram Mandir
- August 5, 2020: The ceremonial Bhoomi Pujan (foundation-laying ceremony) for the temple
These three dates mark the spiritual, legal, and emotional milestones in the centuries-long struggle for reclaiming Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Rama.
The Film: A Cinematic Chronicle of Devotion
Directed by Rajneesh Berry and produced by Shyam Chawla under the banner of Shadani Films, 695 is a historical drama that documents the 500-year struggle of the Hindu community to reclaim the sacred site at Ayodhya. The cast includes veteran actors:
- Arun Govil – famously known as the original Ram from Ramayan
- Govind Namdev
- Mukesh Tiwari
- Manoj Joshi
- Ashok Samarth and others
The film aims to balance emotional depth, political tension, and spiritual reverence—offering a comprehensive view of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement from the eyes of both the masses and the saints.
Saints and Spiritual Leaders in Attendance
The screening was graced by a diverse group of renowned religious and cultural figures, including:
- Sadguru Dr. Charudatta Pingale, National Guide of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
- Yudhishthir Maharaj, of the Shadani Darbar
- Pt. Ram Naresh Tiwari Maharaj, International Executive President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad
- Adv. Alok Kumar, National President of VHP
- Indresh Kumar, Senior RSS leader
- Suresh Chavhanke, Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News
- Arun Govil, Lead actor and cultural icon
Their presence turned the event into more than just a film screening—it became a moment of collective spiritual reflection and cultural reaffirmation.
Sadguru Dr. Pingale’s Reflections on the Film
Addressing the audience, Sadguru Dr. Pingale described the film as “a symbolic yet powerful representation of the spiritual awakening of Hindus.” He highlighted that the Ram Janmabhoomi struggle—spanning more than 500 years—was finally given a visual narrative through this movie.
According to him, the journey captured in 695 not only honors the sacrifices of saints, kar sevaks, and devotees, but also instills a sense of duty among today’s generation to protect and preserve Sanatan Dharma.
He further added that this film was a spiritual call-to-action for the future—reminding people of the pending restoration of Kashi and Mathura, and the broader vision of a Hindu Rashtra.
Arun Govil on Portraying Faith Onscreen
Actor Arun Govil, who became synonymous with Lord Rama due to the legendary TV series Ramayan, expressed his emotional connection with the film. He stated: 695 is not just a film—it’s a living memory of an entire civilization’s spiritual struggle. I feel honored to be a part of something so culturally and emotionally significant.
Govil’s presence electrified the audience, with many attendees seeking blessings and photos with the revered actor.
A Cultural Milestone Beyond Entertainment
More than a piece of entertainment, 695 is seen as a cinematic offering to Lord Ram, portraying:
- The devotion of countless Hindus
- The legal and political efforts spanning decades
- The cultural renaissance that the Ram Mandir represents
The emotional resonance of the film was amplified by its screening before a deeply spiritual audience, many of whom had personally participated in the temple movement.