Naseeruddin Shah says 'it's disturbing' that films like The Kashmir Files, Kerala Story, Gadar 2 are so popular

Naseeruddin Shah, who is one of the finest actors in India, has always been vocal about his thoughts. In his recent interview, while promoting his directorial venture Man Woman Man Woman, said that ‘it’s disturbing that films like Kashmir Files are so massively popular.’

While speaking to the Free Press Journal, on being asked what took him 17 years to make a come-back as a director, Naseeruddin Shah said, “ I was recovering from the shock of having made such a bad film. It didn’t turn out the way I imagined it to be. I wasn’t technically equipped enough at that time - screenplay writing wise or film wise. I just thought if I assemble all the best actors, they will deliver. I thought it was a decent script. But later while editing it I realised there were some loopholes in the script, particularly in Irrfan Khan’s story. It was a big disappointment for me, except for the contribution of the actors. I take the responsibility of it all. I never thought I would make another film because it's hard work. It involves handling a lot of egos, schedules, and too many logistical problems.”

On being asked if the ‘objective of filmmaking has changed in Bollywood,’ the actor-director replied,” Yes! Now the more jingoist you are the more popular you become, because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country but beat drums about it and you have to create imaginary enemies. What these people don’t realise is that what they are doing is very harmful.”

He added, “ In fact, films like Kerala Story and Gadar 2, I haven’t seen them but I know what they are about, it’s disturbing that films like Kashmir Files are so massively popular whereas films made by Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, and Hansal Mehta, who are trying to portray the truth of their times don’t get seen. But it’s important that these filmmakers don’t lose heart and continue telling stories.”

“They will be responsible for posterity. Hundred years later people will see Bheed and they will also see Gadar 2 and see which one portrays the truth of our times because film is the only medium which could do that. It’s hard to resort to abstraction and capture life as it is. So regressive is a pretty mild word for what’s going on, it’s frightening where filmmakers are being coopted into making films which praise all the wrong things and run down other communities for no reason at all. It’s a dangerous trend,” he concluded.