Former England spinner Monty Panesar has joined the chorus of demands for boycotting Aamir Khan’s first movie in over four years, Laal Singh Chaddha. Panesar questioned the portrayal of the Sikh community and the Indian Army in the movie.

Laal Singh Chaddha is the Hindi adaptation of the award-winning Hollywood movie Forrest Gump, featuring Tom Hank in the lead role. The movie is produced by Aamir himself, in association with Viacom 18.

The furor against this movie has to do with Aamir’s comments, dating back to 2014 when he said he doesn’t feel safe in this country. He is also accused of mocking Hindu deities in his movie PK. Ahead of the release, the Bollywood actor also issued an unconditional apology and requested the fans to watch his movie.

“If I have hurt anyone by any means, I regret it. I don’t want to hurt anyone. If someone doesn’t want to watch the film, I’d respect their sentiment,” said Aamir.

But the calls for boycotting the movie haven’t decreased on social media. Panesar, who last played for England in 2013, reasoned the movie shows the Indian Army in a bad light. He said that the original movie fits in the American context because the US Army was recruiting “low IQ men”. But this has never been the case in India.

“Forrest Gump fits in the US Army because the US was recruiting low IQ men to meet requirements for the Vietnam War,” tweeted Panesar. This movie is a total disgrace to the Indian Armed Forces Indian Army and Sikhs !! Disrespectful. Disgraceful. #BoycottLalSinghChadda”

Panesar’s family migrated to England in 1979, where his father Paramjit Singh used to work as a real estate developer. He made his England debut in 2006 against India and went on to play 50 Test matches and 26 ODIs. Panesar is fondly remembered in India for his comprehensive performance in 2012 that drove England to a Test series win in India. He currently works as a broadcaster.

Lead Image: MontyPanesar/EnglandCricket