John Abraham is presently preparing for the premiere of his next movie, Tehran, which is based on the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats. The action thriller film will be available on ZEE5 from August 14th. The actor recently talked about how nationalist movies like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files frequently err on the side of jingoism and incite viewers. He acknowledged that these kinds of movies are typically box office successes, but he has never felt pressured to make one.
John Abraham talked about censorship in an interview with India Today, saying that although he acknowledged its need, the existing system of management isn’t perfect. “We need censorship, but the way it has been overseen… it’s a bit question mark. They have been good with us, but I have also been responsible with the way I have made my films. I am not right or left wing. I am apolitical,” he said.
John Abraham acknowledged that the tendency of right-wing films attracting the most audiences is concerning. He does not, however, wish to make movies like Chhaava or The Kashmir Files, even with the clear popularity and financial success. “What is worrying to me is that right-wing films find a huge audience and that’s when you ask yourself as a filmmaker what line will you toe — Am I going to take the commercial line or I’m going to stay true to what I want to say — and I have chosen the latter.”
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John Abraham said he hasn’t seen Chhaava or The Kashmir Files when asked if he felt tempted to make movies like them, which have both done well at the box office. “When films are being made with the intent to sway people in a hyper political environment and such films find an audience, that is scary for me. To answer your question, no, I have never been tempted, and I will never make those kind of films.”
Meanwhile, Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has made about Rs 800 crore at the box office, making it the year’s greatest hit. The movie is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second Maratha emperor, and his conflict with Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. Many pointed out historical errors in the movie. However, there were also concerns about the Kashmir Files. It recounts the tale of the Hindus of Kashmir’s migration out of the region and later won Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film in the National Integration category at the National Awards.
The narrative centers on ACP Rajeev Kumar, a man torn between conflicting political goals, shifting allegiances, and personal beliefs. The distinction between revolt and patriotism becomes hazy as he traverses a goal that transcends national boundaries and ideologies. Ritesh Shah and Ashish Prakash Verma wrote the script, which attempts to provide an engaging and realistic depiction of clandestine activities.