Rajkumar Santoshi says Batwara 1947 differs from Dhurandhar: ‘Sunny Deol has played action heroes with dignity’

Rajkumar Santoshi discusses masculinity in films, contrasting Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947 with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar.

Right after Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947 released in theatres, comparisons between the film and Ranveer Singh's juggernaut Dhurandhar ensued. Now, in a recent interaction, director Rajkumar Santoshi spoke about the depiction of masculinity in films and how violence is often being used merely as proof of masculinity. In this regard, he also explained how Sunny Deol's character in Batwara 1947 is different.

‘People are using bad words, drinking; it's so cheap’

Rajkumar Santoshi opened up on Batwara 1947 being compared with Dhurandhar.

Speaking to India Today, Rajkumar called Aditya Dhar “a very fine director”, pointing out the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike and how he has a different style. He also lauded Ranveer Singh's performance in Dhurandhar, saying he had “fantastically performed”.

The director shared that he isn't against muscular action in films, but feels that violence is being used merely as proof of masculinity in films. He said, "Today people are using bad words, abusing, drinking; it's so cheap. Sunny has played action heroes with dignity. He has played the role of a true macho guy. Those are powerful and memorable performances. We (Sunny and I) will do more action films, but with standards and class. Not to show off strength, but with good reasoning. There should be a good purpose to fight and hit a man."

‘Most courageous character I have written’

However, the director explained that Sunny Deol's role as Sikandar Mirza differed from Ranveer Singh's Hamza, because physical strength was only one aspect of the character. The director said he was more interested in showing the choices the lead character makes amid turmoil. "He is the most courageous character I have written. One can fight with a single army, or a group of people, but to fight and take a stand against fanaticism in today’s time, impossible. Nobody will dare to do that,” the filmmaker concluded.

About Batwara 1947

Sunny Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi reunited for the film Batwara 1947 after 30 years, following their last collaboration on the 1996 action film Ghatak.

Batwara 1947 received an underwhelming response at the box office. Its total domestic collections stand at ₹34.47 crore net after a week. The film has also received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.