Slough primary school features in new Sikh superhero film premiering this weekend

Pupils and staff at Khalsa Primary School will feature in a new superhero film premiering in Slough this weekend – and were treated to a special visit ahead of the debut.

Written, directed, produced by, and starring Flex Singh, The Ninth Master: Way of a Warrior is billed as the world’s first English-language Sikh superhero feature.

The filmmaker from Wolverhampton visited the Slough school on Tuesday, February 10, to discuss the creation of his feature film, sign autographs, and create videos.

The 50-member cast includes Mandeep Singh, a Sikh Education teacher at Khalsa Primary School who also appears in the film as ‘Mr Singh’.

“Slough is quite a diverse town, and I wanted to make this film feel as authentic as possible,” Flex told the Express.

“Khalsa Primary School is amazing. Not many people, especially at that young age, get the exposure to being in a film, and I wanted characters that felt authentic.

“Growing up, I rarely saw people who looked like us in cinema, especially in the superhero genre.

“This film was made to change that. I wanted the community to be part of the journey, not just the audience.”

The 27-year-old said the decision to premiere the film in Slough was deliberate.

“Slough has a close place in my heart, especially through the connection and rapport built with the school,” he said.

“Even after visiting the school, I had kids literally swarm me for autographs, so there's a community in Slough who feel close to the film, and I wanted to make sure that the community comes first.

“I want to represent our community in the best way possible, so there's pressure. I’m feeling nervous, but it's normal for these occasions. It’s exciting – mixed emotions.”

The Ninth Master: Way of a Warrior blends martial arts, action, and storytelling, and includes concepts of Seva (selfless service) and Chardi Kala (resilience and optimism).

“It’s a real underdog story giving people hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of what situation you're in,” said Flex.

“It raises awareness about mental health; people whose voices may not have been heard in the past; people who used to get bullied.

“I want this film to resonate with people who may have been invisible in their life, to feel a connection and be seen.”

Filming took place around the country in under a year, but the film has been a four-year process, including significant post-production and visual effects time.

“I’m surprised I haven’t got red eyes by now. It’s been a very long process, but I know the end goal was definitely worth it,” said Flex.

“Many people from our community can relate to where we're hoping to see a day where maybe the Avengers, Marvel or DC may feature a Sikh superhero.

“But as with almost anything in life, you have to create the opportunities yourself, and I wanted to inspire future generations.

“The challenge was going to be difficult. I wanted to create something unique and special, something groundbreaking, something the community will feel proud of.

“That's what I hope to achieve with this film.”

Organisers said the premiere at The Curve tomorrow (Saturday) at 4pm has sold out.

For over a decade, Flex has been working with TV channels, both in front of and behind the camera, and has also created short films in the superhero genre.

Flex has worked in media for a decade, working

“It only felt right to expand the universe and go for the full feature film,” he said.

“To represent our community on the global stage – I felt the superhero genre would allow us to do that.

“I want this film to be a celebration of Sikhs and the South Asian diaspora: who we are, what we represent, and make names for ourselves on the world platform.

“The wider goal is more Sikh representation in British cinema and Hollywood.”