Director Bharat S. Shrinate said the film draws thematic connections to the Hindu goddess Kalki and what he referred to as the “Sambhal genocide.” According to Shrinate, the narrative revisits the 1978 riots, in which he claims 184 people were killed, as well as unrest in 2004 and more recent violence in 2024. He also alleged that these events led to demographic changes and a mass exodus from the area.
What is Kalki Sambhal based on?
The film reportedly features two central antagonists. One character, “Abbajaan,” is portrayed as having instigated the 1978 riots for political gain, while the other, “Bhaijaan,” his grandson, is accused within the story of inciting violence in Sambhal in 2024.
Addressing concerns that the subject matter could invite scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Shrinate said filmmakers should not shy away from controversial topics. “If we start worrying about problems with the CBFC, filmmakers will end up making only romantic films,” he said. “Cinema is a mirror of society, and it is my responsibility to bring to light events that people are not aware of. I want to reach out to the families of those affected.”