Diljit Dosanjh looks craggy and weather-beaten as the titular soldier in the poster of the Punjabi film Sajjan Singh Rangroot. Directed by Pankaj Batra, the period drama is reportedly a fictionalised account of the experiences of Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army fought in Germany in during World War I. The movie will be released on March 23.

“For the first time in Punjabi film industry a movie is being made on this subject,” Batra said while announcing the release of the poster. “A lot of Sikh soldiers sacrificed their lives in World War I and this is our tribute to them. It’s a matter of pride and honour for me to be directing such a film. Diljit has lived this dream and put his heart and soul in this character. Since it’s a unique subject we are sure the audience will like it.”

Dosanjh regarded the film as a “dream project” in the statement. “I feel blessed to be a part of this prestigious project. It is indeed my dream project and is closest to my heart,” he said.

Sajjan Singh Rangroot marks the acting debut of Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma, and also features Yograj Singh, Jagjeet Sandhu, Dheeraj Kumar, Darren Tassell and Peter Irving.