Mumbai: Despite earning acclamation for a sensitive portrayal of war, Sriram Raghavan’s war drama ‘Ikkis’ became a target of trolls for not showing Pakistanis as ‘demons.’
Praising ‘Ikkis’ for showing Pakistanis as humans and not demons, veteran actor Suhasini Mulay, who played a supporting role in the film, slammed the trolls for targeting it and glorifying movies like ‘The Kashmir Files.’
Taking a dig at ‘The Kashmir Files’ during a conversation with journalists at Gauhati Press Club, the veteran actress said, “However, I was told by the script writer that they were being trolled by the people. If you are in this society in this era, then you will be trolled. So, you don’t make such films. You make The Kashmir Files, you will get your entertainment tax waived.”
Despite being a box-office success, the 2024 film ‘The Kashmir Files’, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, drew criticism for being Islamophobic.
Expressing her disappointment over commercial cinema becoming more political, Suhasini said, “The political cinema now is ideologically right-wing, and religious dominance is the norm. There has been an incredible projection of violence, which we never saw earlier. And it is both mental and physical. There is also the huge question of ‘otherisation’ of indigenous people and minorities, not just Muslims, but all minorities.”
Directed by Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the late Dharmendra’s last film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to Second Lt Arun Khetarpal (played by Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya), the youngest recipient of Param Vir Chakra.
Hema Malini Will Watch ‘Ikkis’ When Wounds Start Healing
Meanwhile, actress-turned-politician Hema Malini said that she hasn’t watched her husband Dharmendra’s final film yet.
Sharing that she doesn’t have the strength and courage to see Dharmendra on the silver screen after his death, the veteran actress said she will watch ‘Ikkis’ once wounds start healing.
“I came to Mathura when it was released. I have to do my work here. Also, I can’t see it now, it will be too overwhelming. That’s what my daughters are also saying. Maybe I will watch it later when the wounds start healing,” Hema was quoted as saying by Screen.
The film stars Agastya Nanda as Arun, alongside Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Dharmendra.
Revisiting rumours over an alleged family rift after two separate prayer meets were organised in Dharmendra’s honour, she said: “It has always been very nice and cordial. Even today it is very nice. I don’t know why people think something is wrong with us. It is because people want gossip. Why should I answer them? Is it necessary for me to give an explanation? Why should I? It’s my life. My personal life, our personal life. We are absolutely happy and very close to each other. That’s it. I don’t have anything more to say about this. I don’t know what stories people are making up. So sad that people use other’s grief to write a few articles. That is why I don’t answer (such speculation).”
