Sunny Deol on the challenge of Batwara 1947 ‘humanising’ Pakistanis in today’s political climate: ‘Mahaul ka nahi socha’
Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi and actor Sunny Deol are reuniting after almost two decades in the upcoming period drama, Batwara 1947. Set around the Partition, the film tells the story of a Muhajir family in Lahore who protect an ageing Hindu woman. On Tuesday, Santoshi and the film’s stars – Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta – interacted with the media about the film’s tone, story, and their roles. Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in a still from Batwara 1947. Rajkumar Santoshi on the humanity of Batwara 1947 In today’s climate, it is considered increasingly risky or difficult to show neutrality or parity. Films are avoiding showing humanity across the border. When HT asked Santoshi why he chose this narrative in a polarised political climate, the director said it was never about the messaging. “The story needs to be engaging, entertaining, and leave some emotional things in the mind (of the audience). We don’t like to message. The medium is different for those who are making films for messaging,” says the filmmaker. Santoshi adds that the crux …
