Anubhav Sinha can’t understand why Mulk, his upcoming political drama that addresses the isolation and persecution of Indian Muslims, has been banned in Pakistan.
“This is such a predictable and banal response. As soon as you hear ‘Pakistan’ being mentioned in a Hindi film, you get rid of it. At a time when Pakistan has chosen a new leader, a film that talks about peace instead of violence seems to displease those across the border,” says an irate Anubhav.
The filmmaker even urges Pakistanis to download the film and watch it.
“I know what I’m asking them to do is illegal. But according to me, not watching the film is even more unpardonable. In any case, don’t Pakistanis end up watching all films anyway, whether they are banned or not,” he asks.
Anubhav’s intention behind making a film about the dilemma of the Indian Muslim is to reclaim Hindutva from fringe elements. “I greet all my friends, whether Hindu or Muslim, with ‘Jai Shri Ram’. My biggest joy is when my Muslim friends reply with ‘Jai Shri Ram’, as I would to their ‘As Salaam Alaikum’. I’ve done many media interviews wearing saffron, and some in Pathani suits. I love the colour green just as much I love saffron. And to those critics who say that my storytelling in Mulk lacks subtlety, I say - You want me to be subtle at a time when human beings are being lynched in our country?”
