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{{short description|2015 Indian Hindi film by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name = MSG: The Messenger
| image = MSG_The_Messenger_of_God_Poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = {{Plainlist|
* [[Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh]]
* Jeetu Arora
}}
| producer = [[Ravi Verma]] {{small|(Supervising)}}
| writer = Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
* Daniel Kaleb
* [[Flora Saini]]
* [[Jayshree Soni]]
* Olexandra Semen
* [[Gaurav Gera]]
* Jay Singh Rajpoot
* Raju Pandit
}}
| music = [[Amar Mohile]]
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
* Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
* Vineet Sapru
* Mangal
}}
| editing = {{Plainlist|
* Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
* Sanjay Kumar Singh
}}
| studio = Hakikat Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
| distributor = Hakikat Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2015|02|13}}
| runtime = 191 minutes
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR}}300 million<ref name="boxofficeindia.com"/>{{better|reason=BOI includes print and advertising costs, which are never included in a film's production budget|date=November 2019}}
| gross = Disputed<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mehta|first1=Ankita|title=Box Office Collection: 'MSG: The Messenger' ?100 Crore Earning is Fake?|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-msg-messenger-100-crore-earning-fake-624158|access-date=27 February 2015|work=International Business Times|date=21 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="boxofficeindia.com"/><ref name="msg official box office numbers"/><ref name="MSG Gross - TOI"/>
}}

'''''MSG: The Messenger''''' (also known as '''''MSG: The Messenger of God''''') is a 2015 Indian [[Hindi]]-language faith-based film written by and starring religious leader [[Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh]] in his film debut. He is also credited as co-director, co-cinematographer, co-editor, songwriter and stuntman.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Bollywood entertainer that attempts to spread the message of God|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/A-Bollywood-entertainer-that-attempts-to-spread-the-message-of-God/articleshow/45535299.cms|access-date=19 December 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=17 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="boxofficeindia.com"/> The film was released worldwide on 13 February 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/dera-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim-makes-big-screen-debut-with-messenger-of-god-on-january-16/articleshow/45580439.cms|title=Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim makes big-screen debut with Messenger of God on January 16|first=Raghav|last=Ohri|date=20 December 2014|access-date=10 February 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref name="AutoFR-2">{{cite web|title=Shooting of MSG The Messenger Completed in a record 67 days|url=http://www.derasachasauda.org/msg-the-messenger-of-god-releasing-worldwide-in-4-languages-simultaneously|access-date=19 December 2014|publisher=[[Dera Sacha Sauda]]|date=13 December 2014}}</ref> It follows a spiritual leader, played by Singh and largely based on himself, on a quest to eradicate drugs and gender-related issues.

''MSG: The Messenger'' received largely negative reviews from critics, who accused it of being a [[propaganda film]] promoting Singh's teachings, while also severely criticising its quality.<ref name="BBC negative" /> It was also controversial for being allegedly insulting towards [[Sikh]]s.<ref name=TOISikhBan/><ref name="auto">{{cite news|title=Furious Sikh Groups Demand Ban on the Dera Chief's Messenger of God Film Stunt|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Furious-Sikh-Groups-Demand-Ban-on-the-Dera-Chief's-Messenger-of-God-Film-Stunt/2014/12/28/article2591483.ece|access-date=13 January 2015|publisher=New India Express|date=28 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/sikh-organisations-hold-protests-in-punjab-against-controversial-film-messenger-of-god/|title=They came for their hero's movie, didn't matter it wasn't shown|date=17 January 2015|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> Box office estimates indicated that the film grossed approximately {{INRConvert|16.65|c}} on a budget of {{INRConvert|30|c}}, although the producers claimed {{INRConvert|126|c}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/msg__the_messenger_of_god#.VuNJtvkrKUk|title=Boxoffice|date=18 November 2015|access-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118172801/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/msg__the_messenger_of_god#.VuNJtvkrKUk|archive-date=18 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="msg official box office numbers"/> It was followed the same year by a direct [[sequel]], ''[[MSG-2 The Messenger]]'', and later by two more instalments, ''[[MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart|The Warrior Lion Heart]]'' and ''[[Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab: MSG Lion Heart 2|Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab]]'', with Singh similarly involved in all of them.

==Synopsis==
Guruji is a spiritual leader who has a huge follower base. He has accepted the challenge of eradicating social evils including drugs and gender-related issues that have been prevailing in the society. Those with vested interests and apathetic towards the welfare of the society are now disturbed as there's someone who has taken control of the situation. They conspire to kill him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/rise-of-a-new-superhero-in-2015-meet-messenger-of-god---gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-insaan-1-792890.html|title=MSG: बॉलीवुड के नए सुपरहीरो बाबा राम रहीम!|website=aajtak.intoday.in|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref>

==Cast==

* [[Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh]] as Guruji
* Daniel Kaleb as Jalebi Bai
* [[Flora Saini]] as Muskan
* [[Jayshree Soni]] as Kasam
* Olexandra Semen as Alice
* [[Gaurav Gera]] as Bhondu
* Jay Singh Rajpoot as Jet Bhai
* Himanshu Tiwari as Tiwari Don
* Raju Pandit as Khurana

==Production==
The film was shot at various locations of [[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The movie also features 1 million, three hundred-thousand extras. The film was completed in 67 days. The cast had almost no training in film or acting. For the song 'Never Ever' about 125,000 performers continued their shot for three days, and on a count of three, 70 thousand candles were lit within 45 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/MSG-The-Messenger-to-hit-screens-on-February-13/articleshow/46173601.cms|title='MSG The Messenger' to hit screens on February 13 - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> Singh held a three-day concert at the Shah Satnam Ji Stadium in Sirsa, Haryana, from 16 August, which is part of the movie.

==Certification==
The film was denied a release certificate by the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] and was sent to a revising committee. The members of the CBFC objected to the portrayal of Singh as a God in the movie.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dera Sacha Sauda chief's film 'The Messenger of God' denied certification |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Dera-Sacha-Sauda-chiefs-film-The-Messenger-of-God-denied-certification/articleshow/45857550.cms |access-date=13 January 2015 |work=The Times of India |date=12 January 2015}}</ref> On 15 January 2015 the film was cleared for screening by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. Singh denied that he had called himself God in the film (at the time the film was titled, ''MSG: Messenger of God''). He further added that there was nothing objectionable in his film and that the CBFC had muted just two words.<ref>{{cite news|title=I have not called myself God in 'MSG - Messenger of God', says Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-have-not-called-myself-god-in-msg--messenger-of-god-says-dera-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim/523273-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119225655/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-have-not-called-myself-god-in-msg--messenger-of-god-says-dera-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim/523273-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2015|access-date=11 March 2015|work=IBN-Live|agency=CNN-IBN|date=16 January 2015}}</ref> [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]] also allowed the release of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/punjab-and-haryana-high-court-refuses-to-stay-release-of-controversial-film-msg-starring-dera-chief-736967|title=Punjab and Haryana High Court Refuses to Stay Release of Controversial Film 'MSG' Starring Dera Chief|website=NDTV.com|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> The film was fully cleared by the board with a U Certificate and released on 13 February 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/messenger-of-god-sant-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-release-date-237483-2015-01-27|title=MSG gets a Friday the 13th release|first1=IndiaToday in New|last1=DelhiJanuary 27|first2=2015UPDATED|last2=January 27|first3=2015 09:12|last3=Ist|website=India Today|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref>

==Promotion==
The trailer of the film was released on 19 December 2014 and crossed over 1 million views on [[YouTube]] within 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/five-reasons-why-censor-board-should-clear-msg-the-messenger-of-god-235798-2015-01-15|title=Five reasons why censor board should clear MSG: The Messenger of God|first1=Shruti Kapoor|last1=January 15|first2=2015UPDATED|last2=January 16|first3=2015 11:10|last3=Ist|website=India Today|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> On 16 January 2015, ''MSG: The Messenger'' premiered at Leisure Valley ground, a large park in [[Gurgaon]] city used for exhibitions and conventions. A team from Asia Book and India Book of Records recorded the official number of people gathered as 157,231 for the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.msgthefilm.com/msg-the-messenger-of-god-premier-set-milestone-in-asia-book-and-india-book-of-records/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C4918533271 |title= MSG The Messenger Premier Set Milestone in Asia Book and India Book of Records }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
The film received mostly negative reviews.<ref name="BBC negative">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-31450646|title=MSG Messenger of God: Indian critics pan guru film|publisher=BBC News|date=13 February 2015}}</ref> Criticism focused on the self-aggrandizing nature of the film. [[Raja Sen]], writing for ''Rediff'', refused to rate the movie. "This is not a movie," he said. He described the film as a "propaganda piece" for "self-styled spiritual leader" Singh, and stated that the film "might be a theatrical release, but this can, by no means, be called a piece of cinema."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/review/review-msg-the-messenger-is-not-a-movie/20150213.htm|title=Review: MSG The Messenger is not a movie|date=13 February 2015|work=Rediff}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' described the film as "excruciatingly awful only for non believers."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/experiencing-msg-the-film-is-excruciatingly-awful-only-for-non-believers/|title='MSG' review – The 'film' is excruciatingly awful only for non-believers|date=13 February 2015|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> ''[[Daily News and Analysis|DNA]]'' called the film "three hours of torture so painful that you start laughing at yourself".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-msg-review-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-insan-will-test-your-patience-and-leave-you-with-a-splitting-headache-2060752|title=MSG review: Three hours of torture so painful that you start laughing at yourself!|work=dna|date=14 February 2015}}</ref>

Rohit Vats reviewing for ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' urged readers to "watch it only if your survival depended on it".<ref>{{cite news|author1=Rohit Vats|title=MSG review: Watch this only if your survival depends on it|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/reviews/msg-review-megalomania-thy-name-is-grrs/article1-1316324.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213065634/http://www.hindustantimes.com/reviews/msg-review-megalomania-thy-name-is-grrs/article1-1316324.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 February 2015|access-date=14 March 2015|work=Hindustan Times|date=14 February 2015}}</ref> ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' stated that the film "can be watched once... purely for the dynamics and the histrionics of the endearing Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/1916211|title=MSG The Messenger|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=bollywoodhungama.com}}</ref> ''Times of India'' rated it one out of five stars, commenting that "the one star is strictly for Babaji's intriguing choice of outfits. A multi-coloured crochet two-piece (tight tees and knee-length pants) takes the cake."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/msg-the-messenger/movie-review/46233425.cms|title=Movie MSG: The Messenger 2015, Story, Trailers | Times of India|access-date=10 February 2020|via=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref>

===Box office===
The [[box office]] gross of the movie has been contested. Bollywood Hungama, ''[[Box Office India]]'', and other industry sources reported figures as low as {{INRconvert|10|c}}, while sources associated with the film reported results as high as {{INRconvert|120|c}}.<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3028|title=MSG: The Messenger - Movie - Worldwide Gross|publisher=[[Box Office India]]|access-date=13 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="msg official box office numbers">{{cite web|title=MSG THE MESSENGER GROSS COLLECTION 126 CRORE BY THE END OF SECOND WEEK.|url=http://www.msgthefilm.com/msg-the-messenger-gross-collection/|website=msgthefilm.com|access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MSG-The Messenger collects Rs 100 cr, really?|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/msg-the-messenger-collects-rs-100-cr-is-false-news-20762.html|access-date=11 March 2015|work=India TV News|date=24 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="MSG Gross - TOI">{{cite news|title=MSG: The Messenger makes Rs 10.91 crore in three weeks|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/MSG-The-Messenger-makes-Rs-10-91-crore-in-three-weeks/articleshow/46596054.cms|access-date=2 April 2015|work=Times of India|date=17 March 2015}}</ref>

A report by the ''[[Business Standard]]'' gave tentative opening day figures of {{INRconvert|2.5|c}}, citing the limited appeal to non-believers, distribution to less expensive theatres, and competition from ''[[Roy (2015 film)|Roy]]'' as reasons for the relatively weak opening. The [[2015 Cricket World Cup]], which kicked off the following day, was also expected to detract from later ticket sales.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Urvi Malvania|title=Gurmeet Ram Rahim's MSG off to slow start at the box office|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/gurmeet-ram-rahim-s-msg-off-to-slow-start-at-the-box-office-115021401073_1.html|access-date=2 April 2015|work=Business Standard|date=14 February 2015|location=Mumbai}}</ref>

===Protests===
Various Sikh groups protested the release of the movie and demanded that it be banned on the basis that it was offensive to Sikhs.<ref name=TOISikhBan>{{cite news|title=Now, Baljit Singh Daduwal too demands ban on 'Messenger of God'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Now-Baljit-Singh-Daduwal-too-demands-ban-on-Messenger-of-God/articleshow/45847385.cms|access-date=13 January 2015|work=The Times of India|date=12 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> However, a Dera Sacha Sauda spokesperson responded, "There is nothing against which the protests need to be done."<ref name=TOISikhBan />

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name = MSG: The Messenger
| type = Soundtrack
| longtype = to MSG The Messenger
| artist = {{unbulleted list|[[Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh]]|Amarpreet Insan}}
| cover =
| alt =
| caption = Soundtrack cover
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2015|1|7}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/msg-the-messenger-of-gods-music-album-launched/|title=MSG – The Messenger of God's music album launched|date= 7 January 2015|publisher=The Indian Express|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film Soundtrack|Feature Film Soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=32|s=16}}
| label = [[Sony Music India]]
| producer = Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}

The music was composed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and a sequence of the movie takes place as a live concert. The soundtrack album consists of 7 songs, all written and sung by Singh, himself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Messenger-Of-God-music-aims-to-connect-with-todays-youth/articleshow/45667184.cms|title=Messenger Of God music aims to connect with today's youth - Times of India ►|website=The Times of India|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.com/buzz/msg-the-messenger-of-god-song-raatan-baatan-guru-ji-kills-goons-by-playing-a-mouth-organ-239877/|title=MSG: The Messenger of God song Raatan Baatan: Guru ji kills goons by playing a mouth organ!|first=Akshata|last=Shetty|date=6 January 2015|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref>

===Track listing===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! No. !! Title !! Lyrics !! Singer(s) !! Length
|-
| 1 || "Desh"<ref>{{Citation|title=Desh Video Song MSG: The Messenger|date=25 December 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTLb9VcTeI8|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> || [[Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh]]
|| Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 3:35
|-
| 2 || "Daru Ko Goli Maro" || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 6:34
|-
| 3 || "Papa The Great" || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh & Amarpreet Insan || 4:50
|-
| 4 || "Never Ever" || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 4:48
|-
| 5 || "Never Ever" remix<ref>{{Citation|title=Never Ever (Remix) Full Video Song MSG: The Messenger|date=28 December 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN5YXmIz2QI|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 3:39
|-
| 6 || "Rataan Bataan"<ref>{{Citation|title=Raatan Baatan Video Song MSG: The Messenger|date=5 January 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PaxYpRCQ6s|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 4:24
|-
| 7 || "Ram Ram"<ref>{{Citation|title=RAM RAM Video Song MSG: The Messenger|date=9 January 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=127zJ5MFcVU|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh || 4:27
|}

==Sequel==
A sequel, ''[[MSG-2 The Messenger]]'', was released on 18 September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Punjab theatre owners give MSG-2 a miss|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/punjab-theatre-owners-give-msg-2-a-miss/story-4ywU8Nvbzqf5tf8YD9mXXP.html|access-date=17 October 2015|work=Hindustan Times|date=18 September 2015}}</ref>

== References ==

{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://www.msgthefilm.com/}}
* {{IMDb title|id=4107858}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|id=msg_the_messenger_of_god|title=MSG: The Messenger of God}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Msg: The Messenger of God}}
[[Category:2010s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2015 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian thriller films]]
[[Category:2015 thriller films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language thriller films]]
[[Category:Film controversies]]

MSG: The Messenger - Revision history

imported>GreenC bot at 02:23, 9 August 2021