Rajkumar Santoshi Discusses His Latest Film 'Batwara 1947' and Future Projects
Rajkumar Santoshi's Cinematic Journey
Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, known for classics like *Ghayal* and *Andaz Apna Apna*, has explored a variety of genres throughout his career, including action, courtroom dramas, and comedies.
New Film 'Batwara 1947'
His latest project, *Batwara 1947*, featuring Sunny Deol, is set against the historical backdrop of the India-Pakistan Partition. While Santoshi expresses satisfaction with the film's artistic quality, which has grossed ₹31.03 crore by Wednesday, he feels the box office performance could be better. He shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview.
On Collaborating with Kamal Haasan
Santoshi revealed that he initially wanted to debut with Kamal Haasan but couldn't find the right project to collaborate on. He mentioned that during the making of *Ghayal* and *Ghatak*, he believed those films would suit Haasan, but they never came to fruition.
On Timing and Trends
He acknowledged that many of his films, such as *Andaz Apna Apna* and *Lajja*, were considered ahead of their time. Santoshi admitted that he often chooses to go against current trends, a practice he continues with films like *Gandhi vs Godse* and *Batwara 1947*. He has made a conscious decision to avoid sequels, despite pressure to create them for his earlier hits.
Future Projects
Santoshi is planning an action film with Sunny Deol and has also finalized two stories for a project with Aamir Khan, although it's uncertain which will commence first.
Box Office Pressures
He discussed the impact of box office milestones, such as ₹500 crore and ₹1,000 crore, on filmmakers. Santoshi noted that these figures create pressure to prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity, leading to a focus on potential earnings rather than the quality of storytelling.
Star Power vs Story
When asked about the influence of a star's image on a film's narrative, he stated that he aimed *Batwara 1947* at the masses, with a majority of viewers responding positively. However, he acknowledged that some audience members were critical of Sunny Deol's portrayal of a Muslim character, suggesting that an actor's public persona can sometimes overshadow the film's story.