Raj Kumar Santoshi Rejects Theory That Sunny Deol Playing A Muslim Character Hurt ‘Batwara 1947’: ‘It Makes No Sense to Me’

Shabana Azmi believes “Batwara 1947” failed primarily because it went completely against lead actor Sunny Deol’s established “action patriot” image, which alienated his core audience. In the Raj Kumar Santoshi directorial, he played Sikandar Mirza, an Indian Muslim man whose whole life is uprooted during Partition.

Azmi notes that audiences simply could not accept Deol as a Muslim character. The film focuses on ‘bhaichaara’ (brotherhood), peace, and humanism rather than demonizing any country or religion. Industry trade experts pointed out that the current theatrical climate favors high-octane confrontation and aggressive nationalism. As the movie tried to “swim upstream” with a peaceful narrative, it failed to draw mass crowds. Due to its nuanced take on Partition, a segment of the audience labeled the film “pro-Pakistan.”

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About Azmi’s observation, Santoshi says, “It makes no sense to me. Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim hero in ‘Coolie.’ So many of Manmohan Desai’s films had Muslim heroes. Are we at a point where we cannot accept a hero from the other community? We are sensible, good people, educated people. How are they saying there’s a big mistake in the film?”

In Santoshi’s “Lajja,” there was a segment based on the Ramayana. The director admits the segment might not find the same acceptance if it were made today. He believes, “We have become far less tolerant and inclusive as a people. You should look at the filmmaker’s intent and what the writer wants to say. I’m a Hindu. I go to the temple. My son’s name is Ram. I am not against any faith. But I want to take the best of every faith. Whatever the saints have tried to say about faith, it is always about equality. Hinduism has always been about inclusiveness, not exclusion.”

Santoshi hopes to work with Sunny again soon in an action film like “Ghatak.” He also reveals, “I am working on a musical comedy, ‘Adaa Apni Apni.’ It is the same genre as ‘Andaz Apna Apna.’ The script is complete.”