Rajkumar Santoshi has urged audiences to watch Batwara 1947 before forming an opinion about the film, especially over Sunny Deol playing a Muslim character for the first time in his career.
The filmmaker, who has directed and co-written the Partition drama, said that people who have seen the film are responding strongly to it. At the same time, he expressed surprise that this appreciation has not led to stronger box office numbers.
Speaking to Zoom, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He added that viewers who have already watched Batwara 1947 are liking it and have been sharing their reactions with the team.
Santoshi says viewers are responding emotionally
According to Santoshi, the feedback from audiences has been encouraging. He said people have been sending fan mails, making bookings and calling to appreciate the film. He also described emotional reactions from those stepping out of theatres.
“And when people who have come out of the theatres are asked how it is – their eyes are tearful,” Santoshi said in the interview.
The director also said some viewers have compared the film with Gadar, one of Sunny Deol’s biggest commercial successes. As per Santoshi, people who have watched Batwara 1947 are saying that it is a “bigger” and “better” film than Gadar.
Despite these reactions, Santoshi said he is surprised by the gap between audience appreciation and the film’s business. “They are appreciating it so much. But they are not showing the box office numbers. I am surprised about the people who are not coming,” he said.
Director questions hesitation over Sunny Deol’s character
Santoshi suggested that Sunny Deol’s role as a Muslim man may be one reason some viewers are staying away. He questioned why that should affect a person’s decision to watch the film.
“I wonder why are they not coming? Either they have heard that Sunny is doing a Muslim character. Sunny has played a Muslim in the film for the first time. So why are they not watching the film?” he said.
The filmmaker said audiences are free to criticise the film after watching it, but he wants them to see it first. “After watching it, they are entitled for their opinion. They can criticize me. I will never feel bad. But they should come and watch the film,” he said.
Santoshi then used the example of Spider-Man to question whether a character’s name or setting should change the way audiences respond. “If tomorrow we come to know that Spiderman’s name is Aslam Sheikh. And it was going to be in Pakistan. Then will they reject Spiderman?” he asked.
He added that Spider-Man has been widely watched in India and questioned whether the character would lose his qualities only because of a different name or region. Santoshi ended his comments by praising Sunny Deol’s work in the film, calling Batwara 1947 the actor’s best performance.
About Batwara 1947
Batwara 1947 is set in Lahore during the Partition of British India and the division of Punjab. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai.
The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput and Isha Sandhir. It is produced by Aamir Khan under Aamir Khan Productions.
Batwara 1947 released on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.