‘Cinema is a medium that should create awareness among people’
By : Puja Talwar
Update: 2024-11-16 18:44 GMT
The Vikrant Massey-Raashi Khanna starrer The Sabarmati Report is the latest on Bollywood’s list of politically charged narratives. It is based on the February 2002 incident when several coaches of the Sabarmati Express caught fire at Godhra station, resulting in the death of 59 people, many of them women and children.
Directed by Dheeraj Sharma, the investigative thriller explores the many perspectives and theories of what happened 22 years ago. Vikrant, who plays a photojournalist, says he was driven by conscience do the film. “Art needs to stimulate you and start conversations.”
However, his co-star Raashi Khanna confesses she had reservations before signing up to play the news reporter. “I initially rejected the film, thinking it would be yet another propaganda-driven narrative, and I didn’t want to be part of it since it would impact my credibility as an actor. I have always stayed away from giving political opinions, because unless you know both sides you shouldn’t comment. I had preconceived notions that it would be agenda-driven until I read the research. I am proud now that my name is associated with this story.”
However, being part of narratives like this has its challenges, especially for actors. “Whether you are an actor, sports person or any famous personality, there is a constant fear. There is such a clear divide, and especially over the last few years we have seen extreme points of view. There is an absence of balance of perspectives or opinions. Even if one wants to voice a balanced opinion, one shies away from doing so,” says Vikrant.
The actor speaks from experience, after having been called out for making comments that hurt religious sentiments. Raashi Khanna says as celebrities, words have to be constantly weighed, lest they be misconstrued in the future.
However, being part of narratives like this has its challenges, especially for actors. “Whether you are an actor, sports person or any famous personality, there is a constant fear. There is such a clear divide, and especially over the last few years we have seen extreme points of view. There is an absence of balance of perspectives or opinions. Even if one wants to voice a balanced opinion, one shies away from doing so,” says Vikrant.
The actor speaks from experience, after having been called out for making comments that hurt religious sentiments. Raashi Khanna says as celebrities, words have to be constantly weighed, lest they be misconstrued in the future.
“One is constantly evolving, maybe my opinion today may not hold in the future. It’s best to refrain from voicing an opinion unless you are sure you will stand by it forever. As actors, we are all soft targets, people pounce on us. So it’s best to stick to your craft, and stay away from politics. I show the side I belong to by doing the films that I do.”
As Bollywood faces constant flak for compromising on content, pandering to business interests, Vikrant confesses he is part of the group which no longer knows what works and what doesn’t. “I am still finding myself, like many others. What worked five years ago doesn’t hold today, the transformation is so rapid, and by the time you adapt yourself to something now, it is already passe. I think stories which have archival value and make you think will always be the flavour of the season. They may not help you make it to your so-called club but they will have a certain timelessness.”