‘I’m pro-India and humanity’: Rajkumar Santoshi on ‘Batwara 1947’ backlash

Humanity stands above all religions, stated Rajkumar Santoshi, who makes use of the idea as a subtext in his new Partition drama ‘Batwara 1947’ that determinedly doesn’t demonise any faith or nation. “I imagine that talking the reality isn’t sure by season or pattern; no matter is true should be spoken with none hesitation. ‘Batwara’ is a topic near my coronary heart,” Santoshi informed PTI in an interview.

Backed by ‘Aamir Khan Productions’ and headlined by Sunny Deol, the film, based mostly on Asghar Wajahat’s acclaimed play, ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai’, follows a Muslim refugee household that strikes from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a Hindu household’s deserted haveli.

Their new life is disrupted after they uncover Mai (Shabana Azmi), the aged Hindu matriarch, nonetheless dwelling there and refusing to give up her ancestral house, forcing either side to confront the trauma, loss and ethical complexities of Partition.

“I’ve by no means made a propaganda movie, nor will I ever achieve this sooner or later. I solely make movies that I really feel should be shared with the viewers. For example, this movie focuses on humanity, with one character Hindu and one other Muslim. I additionally imagine that humanity stands above all religions,” Santoshi stated.

The movie launched on August 14 to good evaluations but additionally criticism, with a phase of the viewers labelling the movie pro-Muslim and pro-Pakistan. However Santoshi is unbothered.

“I’ve by no means been afraid to make a movie as a result of my conscience is obvious and my intentions are pure. I harbour no in poor health will. I’m pro-India and pro-humanity. I want no hurt upon anybody, so why would I want hurt upon Pakistan? Pakistan is a big nation; it should be pleased and affluent,” the 70-year-old director stated.

His filmography consists of ‘Ghayal’, ‘Ghatak’, ‘Damini’ and ‘Lajja’. With ‘Batwara’, he hopes to interrupt new floor. Deol has lengthy been a favorite and his casting as Sikander Mirza in ‘Batwara’ is a far cry from his position in Anil Sharma’s ‘Gadar’ and ‘Gadar 2’. Actually, considered one of Deol’s most recalled dialogues maybe is from ‘Gadar’: “Hindustan zindabad hai, aur zindabad rahega.”

Santoshi quoted the identical line to say, “Why would I ever want for the destruction or downfall of any nation? Whether or not it’s Pakistan, America, Japan or anyplace else the place folks reside, I would like them to be pleased, protected and to have the ability to dwell with their households. There isn’t any purpose to isolate Pakistan.”

“No faith advocates for bloodshed or violence; but there are some who exploit faith for their very own pursuits. I’m in opposition to this. I’ll proceed to battle in opposition to this and create no matter I can inside my very own capability and efforts. I’m additionally pleased that Aamir (Khan, producer) and Sunny have supported the concepts behind this battle,” he added.

Addressing the criticism of casting Deol as a Muslim character, the writer-director stated the star wanted to develop his vary as an actor. “In ‘Batwara’, you’re going to get to see every part you anticipate from a Sunny Deol movie, aside from the truth that he performs a Muslim character; you may’t reject on the idea of that. Aren’t Muslims human beings? Isn’t their ache and struggling actual? Isn’t their anger justified? Sunny represents a particular group right here, however as a very good Muslim. The movie makes an attempt to convey the true essence of Islam; he even stands up in opposition to different Muslims, who’re within the unsuitable.”

‘Batwara 1947’ includes a stellar ensemble solid that includes Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu Singh.