Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi says as a storyteller he would never cash in on the trending genres and would rather go by his instincts.
The director, whose filmography features beloved movies such as "Andaz Apna Apna”, “Ghayal” and “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”, said he believes in trying his hand at something new with every film.
"I don’t make films based on the flavour of the season. Like if comedies, remakes or sequels are working, then I wouldn't make them. I made every film different, whatever inspires me at that moment I do it,” Santoshi told PTI in an interview.
The versatile filmmaker started his career with the 1990 hit "Ghayal", starring Sunny Deol, and delivered both commercial and critical hits such as "Damini", "Andaz Apna Apna", "Ghatak", "China Gate", "Lajja", "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" and "Khakee".
With his latest feature "Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh", he makes a return to the movies after a gap of 10 years. His last directorial was Shahid Kapoor-starrer "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero", which had a dull run at the box office.
Filmmaking today has become a business because of the corporate studio system, Santoshi said.
"I have never made a film thinking of a star and then worked on a story that pleases the star. What happened after ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ is that a corporation had come in and they would tell me (to) write a story for this particular star,” the 66-year-old writer-director said.
"The situation is the same and that’s why I took a backseat. For seven-eight years I was not active because the genuine makers have vanished. People are rejecting films as the content is not good,” he added.
With his films, Santoshi said he has always tried to present the reality of life. He gave examples of his films “Ghayal”, “Ghatak” and “Damini”, and said the movies stand for seeking justice, being fearless and the status of women in society.
"I have not made big money. But one thing I took care of in my films are women. I make sure they are respected, we don’t have double meaning dialogues or vulgar scenes or movements in the song. I don't use abusive language either. I don’t want to cause discomfort to audiences,” he added.
His latest movie “Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh” depicts a war of ideologies between Mahatma Gandhi and his assassin Nathuram Godse.
Santoshi said he started developing the story before the coronavirus pandemic hit India in early March 2020.
He sought inspiration from noted author and playwright Asghar Wajahat’s play 'Gandhi@Godse.Com', read books on Gandhi and some written material on Godse, including his statement in the court.
"Whatever Gandhi and Godse speak in the film, it stems from their own thoughts. We have not adulterated it, nor have we taken any sides. We have been impartial.
"The idea was to let them talk about their ideology, argue, debate and in that process the cinegoers will understand both of them,” the director said.
But before landing in theatres, the movie has already courted controversy over claims by certain sections that it glorify's Godse.
Santoshi urges people opposing his film to watch the movie before criticising it.
"You want to criticize (looking) at the trailer, burn the theatres or burn the effigies? In the trailer, you can’t see the entire film. It is an unfortunate situation in our country,” he said.
Theater actor Deepak Antani plays Mahatma Gandhi and Chinmay Mandelkar will be seen as Nathuram Godse. The film features debutantes Tanisha Santoshi and Anuj Saini.
“Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh” is set to release on January 26.
Post its release, Santoshi will begin shooting for his next feature, titled “Lahore 1947”. For the partition drama, based on the play “Jisne Lahore Nahi Dekha”, the filmmaker will reunite with his frequent collaborator Sunny Deol.
"It talks about communal harmony and it is against violence. I believe Sunny has a great role and we hope people will admire him,” he said.
Santoshi also revealed that he plans to make a comedy on the lines of his classic 1994 movie “Andaz Apna Apna”.
"I don't make remakes and sequels. It is a fresh idea but in the same genre, musical comedy,” he said.
(PTI)
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.