New Delhi: Actor John Abraham recently shared his views on the growing trend of so called nationalist and politically charged movies that often spark polarisation. He admitted such films usually dominate the box office but stressed that he has no interest in making them. “I am not right or left wing. John said he prefers to stay true to his storytelling rather than chase commercial trends.
In an interview with a TV channel, he pointed out that right-wing-themed movies attract huge audiences, but he finds it worrying when films are made to influence people in a charged political climate. Citing examples like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files, he said he has never been tempted to make such films and never will.
Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, is based on Maratha ruler Sambhaji Maharaj’s battles against the Mughals. It earned nearly Rs 800 crore but has been criticised for historical inaccuracies. The Kashmir Files, about the ‘killing of Kashmiri Pandits’, won a National Award but sparked intense political debate.
The Kashmir Files has provided fodder for various false and misleading news. The movie was made tax-free in several states as BJP wanted to give it a push for larger audience. The film was declared tax-free in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttarakhan and others.
“The makers should clarify whether it is a documentary or a film. If this is a documentary then it is obvious that whatever is shown is true. But the makers say that it is a film based on reality,” Omar Abdullah, now chief minister of JK, had said after its release in 2022.
In cinemas across India, audience were seen shouting slogans against Kashmiri Muslims, with a few even calling for violence against Kashmiri Muslims across India. Videos from inside cinemas showed viewers using abusive language, blaming the current residents of the Valley, and vowing to boycott movies of Muslim actors like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan.
Outside theatres, Hindu right-wing groups wearing saffron shawls and kurtas gathered, chanting “Vande Mataram” and demanding “revenge” for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits. Many held that justice was still due and called for punishment for those they believe were responsible.
John Abraham is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Tehran, inspired by the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats in New Delhi. The film follows ACP Rajeev Kumar, played by John, as he becomes entangled in a tense international crisis involving India, Israel, and Iran. Directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Maddock Films, it was denied a theatrical release due to political sensitivities, which John described as “heartbreaking.” Despite this setback, he said he remains determined to make bold, issue-driven films.
