Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Rajkumar Santoshi Defends Batwara 1947 Amid Pro-Muslim, Pro-Pakistan Backlash
Batwara 1947 is a film about people affected by the Partition of India.
It shows a Muslim refugee family moving from Lucknow to Lahore.
The family is given a house where an elderly Hindu woman still lives.
The story explores their pain, losses and difficult choices.
Some viewers criticized the film and called it pro-Muslim or pro-Pakistan.
Director Rajkumar Santoshi says the movie is not propaganda.
He says humanity is more important than any religion.
He also says he supports India while wishing safety and prosperity for people in Pakistan.
The filmmakers hope more people will watch the film before judging it.
Director Rajkumar Santoshi says Batwara 1947 prioritizes humanity over religious identity.
The Partition drama follows a Muslim refugee family moving from Lucknow to Lahore.
The film has been criticized by some viewers as pro-Muslim and pro-Pakistan.
Santoshi says he is pro-India and pro-humanity, and does not wish harm on Pakistan.
The film reportedly earned Rs 47 crore gross in its first seven days.
- Who
- Director Rajkumar Santoshi, producer Aamir Khan, actor Sunny Deol and the cast of Batwara 1947.
- What
- Santoshi defended Batwara 1947 against criticism that it is pro-Muslim and pro-Pakistan.
- When
- The film released on August 14; Santoshi discussed the backlash in an interview published on August 22.
- Where
- The film is set primarily in Lahore after a Muslim refugee family moves there from Lucknow.
- Why
- Santoshi says the film aims to portray Partition through humanity and does not demonize any religion or country.
Santoshi’s Position
Critics’ Concerns
Political and religious portrayal
Santoshi’s Position
Santoshi says the film is not propaganda, does not demonize any religion or country, and focuses on humanity.
Critics’ Concerns
A section of the audience has labeled the film pro-Muslim and pro-Pakistan.
Sunny Deol’s casting
Santoshi’s Position
Santoshi says Deol’s Muslim role expands his acting range and presents Muslim characters as people whose pain and anger are real.
Critics’ Concerns
Some criticism has focused on casting Deol, known for patriotic roles in the Gadar films, as a Muslim character.
Patriotism and Pakistan
Santoshi’s Position
Santoshi says being pro-India is compatible with wishing Pakistan and its people safety, happiness and prosperity.
Critics’ Concerns
The film’s sympathetic treatment of experiences across the Partition divide has contributed to accusations that it is pro-Pakistan.
- Director
- Rajkumar Santoshi
- Producer
- Aamir Khan Productions
- Lead actor
- Sunny Deol, who plays the Muslim character Sikander Mirza
- Source material
- Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai
- Release date
- August 14
- Reported box office
- Rs 47 crore gross in seven days, according to Santoshi
- Central theme
- Humanity above religious identity during the trauma of Partition
