Rajkumar Santoshi disagrees with Shabana Azmi claiming that Batwara 1947 failed due to Sunny Deol playing Muslim

Rajkumar Santoshi has responded to Shabana Azmi’s comments about the box office failure of Batwara 1947, particularly her observation that audiences may not have been able to accept Sunny Deol playing a Muslim character in the film.

In an interaction with Variety India, Santoshi disagreed with the notion and questioned whether Indian audiences have become less accepting of protagonists from different religious communities.

Santoshi pointed to Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Muslim characters in several films as an example of how cinema has historically embraced characters from different faiths.

He said, “It makes no sense to me.

Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim hero in Coolie (1983).

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?” The filmmaker further expressed concern over what he described as a decline in tolerance and inclusivity.

Emphasising that the intent behind a film should be considered, Santoshi said, “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.” Santoshi also spoke about his own religious beliefs while stressing that his approach is not against any faith.

He said, “I’m a Hindu.

I go to the temple.

My son’s name is Ram.

I am not against any faith.