Vivek Agnihotri’s Protein Advice to John Abraham After The Kashmir Files

A fresh controversy has ignited in Bollywood, pitting a filmmaker known for his politically charged narratives against an actor who consciously avoids them. Director Vivek Agnihotri has delivered a sharp retort to fellow filmmaker and actor John Abraham following his comments on the intent behind films like ‘The Kashmir Files’.

The exchange began when John Abraham, in a recent media interaction, expressed his personal stance on refraining from making films that sway people politically, explicitly naming ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘Chhaava’ as examples. He described the audience’s reception to such content in a “hyper-political environment” as “scary,” firmly stating he would never be tempted to make such films.

How Do Political Films Impact Bollywood’s Landscape?

The debate around politically charged cinema is a defining feature of the modern Indian film industry. Films that tackle historical or communal themes often transcend mere entertainment, sparking nationwide conversations and, at times, intense polarization. For filmmakers, it represents a choice between commercial safety and artistic or ideological expression. For actors, it involves navigating potential career typecasting or public backlash. The box office success of certain projects demonstrates a significant audience appetite for such content, compelling the industry to continually re-evaluate the power and responsibility of storytelling within a socio-political context.

Vivek Agnihotri, the director of the highly successful ‘The Kashmir Files’, did not take kindly to the remarks. In a pointed response, Agnihotri dismissed Abraham’s perspective, questioning his authority to comment on the subject. He pointed out that Abraham himself has starred in what he described as “jingoistic films” like ‘Satyameva Jayate’, suggesting the comment was made for his own reasons.

Agnihotri’s rebuttal took a personal turn as he advised the actor to stick to his known domains. “He is known for driving motorbikes, showing his body and eating protein—he should focus on those things,” Agnihotri stated, adding a Hindi phrase that translated to, “It would be better if he doesn’t get into talking about films.”

The Films at the Center of the Debate

‘The Kashmir Files’, released in 2022, became a cultural phenomenon. The film depicts the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s. Despite facing criticism and debate over its narrative, it was a monumental box office hit, earning over ₹341 crore worldwide. Its success proved there was a massive market for films based on historical narratives that resonate with a large section of the Indian audience. Agnihotri is now preparing for the release of his next project, ‘The Bengal Files’, which will explore the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots.

This public spat underscores the deep divisions within Bollywood regarding the role of cinema. While some artists prefer to steer clear of politics, others see it as an essential part of their storytelling. The clash between Abraham’s desire for apolitical entertainment and Agnihotri’s defense of confrontational filmmaking highlights a pivotal moment for an industry grappling with its influence and identity beyond the silver screen.

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Must Know

What did John Abraham say about The Kashmir Files?
John Abraham stated that he finds it scary when films are made with the intent to sway people in a hyper-political environment, using ‘The Kashmir Files’ as an example. He confirmed he would never make such films himself.

How did Vivek Agnihotri respond to John Abraham?
Vivek Agnihotri responded dismissively, stating John Abraham was not a historian or thinker and should focus on his fitness and biking image instead of commenting on cinema.

What is the box office collection of The Kashmir Files?
‘The Kashmir Files’ was a major commercial success, earning approximately ₹341 crore at the worldwide box office.

What is Vivek Agnihotri’s next film?
Vivek Agnihotri’s next directorial venture is titled ‘The Bengal Files’. It is based on the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots and is scheduled for release in September.

Is John Abraham also a filmmaker?
Yes, John Abraham is not only an actor but also a producer. His production house has backed films like ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Madras Cafe’, and ‘Satyameva Jayate’.