Humanity Stands Above All Religions: Rajkumar Santoshi On ' Batwara 1947'

Rajkumar Santoshi has defended his Partition drama Batwara 1947 amid criticism from sections of the audience, saying the film is rooted in humanity rather than religion or propaganda. The filmmaker said he remains “pro-India and pro-humanity” and has no ill will towards Pakistan or any community.

“I believe that speaking the truth is not bound by season or trend; whatever is true must be spoken without hesitation. Batwara is a subject close to my heart,” Santoshi told PTI.

Produced by Aamir Khan Productions and starring Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol and Ali Fazal, the film is based on Asghar Wajahat’s acclaimed play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. It follows a Muslim refugee family that moves from Lucknow to Lahore after Partition and is allotted a Hindu family’s abandoned haveli, only to discover that its elderly Hindu matriarch, Mai, played by Azmi, is still living there.

Santoshi said the film deliberately avoids demonising any religion or country. “I have never made a propaganda film, nor will I ever do so,” he said, stressing that humanity stands above all religions.

The film has nevertheless faced criticism, with some viewers accusing it of being pro-Muslim or pro-Pakistan. Santoshi rejected the criticism, saying his conscience is clear and his intentions are genuine.

“I’m pro-India and pro-humanity. I wish no harm upon anyone, so why would I wish harm upon Pakistan? Pakistan is a large country; it ought to be happy and prosperous,” he said.

He also defended the decision to cast Sunny Deol as Sikander Mirza, a Muslim character. Santoshi said the role was designed to challenge the actor and broaden his range beyond the image established by films such as Gadar and Gadar 2. Earlier, the filmmaker clarified that Deol is playing an Indian Muslim, not a Pakistani character, after revealing that some investors had been hesitant about the casting and subject.

“Aren’t Muslims human beings? Isn’t their pain and suffering real? Isn’t their anger justified?” Santoshi said, arguing that the film portrays Deol’s character as a good Muslim who also stands against wrongdoing within his own community.

The director acknowledged that the casting choice carried risks. In a recent interview, he said the team had considered whether Deol’s Muslim role could affect the film’s commercial prospects, but maintained that the character was central to the story.

Batwara 1947 opened in theatres on August 14 and received a mixed response. While performances, particularly those of Deol and Azmi, have been praised by sections of the audience, the film has also faced criticism over its pace and its comparison with Deol’s earlier blockbuster Gadar.

The film’s box-office run has been underwhelming. Bollywood Hungama currently lists its India collection at around Rs 29.57 crore, while Santoshi has separately said the film earned Rs 47 crore gross in its first seven days.

Despite the commercial disappointment, Santoshi said he has not lost hope, pointing to gradually developing word of mouth. He urged audiences to watch the film before forming an opinion.

The filmmaker also criticised the tendency to dismiss original films while repeatedly rewarding sequels and franchise projects. He cited recent films such as Ikkis and Main Vaapas Aaunga while arguing that audiences need to support filmmakers attempting stories beyond conventional formulas.