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Rajkumar Santoshi rejected Shabana Azmi’s theory that audience discomfort with Sunny Deol playing a Muslim character affected Batwara 1947. Citing Amitabh Bachchan’s role in Coolie, he said, “It makes no sense to me.” Santoshi, however, admitted that society has become “far less tolerant and inclusive”

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi disagreed with veteran actress Shabana Azmi’s assessment of why Batwara 1947 did not connect with audiences. Shabana had suggested that viewers may have been uncomfortable with Sunny Deol portraying a Muslim character in the film.

However, Santoshi dismissed the theory, pointing out that Bollywood has previously seen major stars play characters from different religious communities. Speaking to Variety India, the filmmaker cited Amitabh Bachchan’s role in Coolie as an example.

He said, “It makes no sense to me. Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim hero in ‘Coolie.’ So many of Manmohan Desai’s films had Muslim heroes. Are we at a point where we cannot accept a hero from the other community? We are sensible, good people, educated people. How are they saying there’s a big mistake in the film?”

Rajkumar Santoshi admits people have become less tolerant