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‘Get Burned’: Vivek Agnihotri on Deepika Padukone at JNU

June 17, 2025, 2:25 pm

Vivek Agnihotri has weighed in on Deepika Padukone’s incident from January 2020, when she made a surprise appearance at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. He suggested that Deepika may not have fully understood the situation and was likely misled by her public relations team, even a moment of silence can echo loudly across political lines.

Her quiet stand in solidarity with students who had been violently attacked on campus was seen by many as a bold political move, but also one that drew heavy backlash.

Just days before the release of her film Chhapaak, the visit sparked fierce public debate, divided opinion across social media, and, according to some, derailed the movie’s box office potential.

Vivek Agnihotri: ‘She Had No Idea What She Was Getting Into’

Deepika had visited the university in silent support of students protesting an attack on campus. Her appearance occurred just days before the release of her film Chhapaak, which focused on acid violence survivors. The move was widely discussed and, according to many, negatively impacted the film’s performance.

In a new interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Agnihotri shared his take, “I can guarantee that Deepika had no idea about JNU politics when she went there.”

Unplugged ft. Vivek Agnihotri 👇🏻

Kashmir Files-Bengal Files जैसी Films के Director Vivek Agnihotri संग सबसे तीखे सवालों वाला Podcast YouTube पर जाकर अभी देखिए। pic.twitter.com/SaR2Q2uaUC

— Shubhankar Mishra (@shubhankrmishra) June 16, 2025

He added that it’s not a matter of intelligence but poor advice, “It’s not about being d**b. Her PR must’ve told her that this is a good opportunity to promote your film, because the university is associated with politics, and the film is also political. If she had known, she wouldn’t have come.”

When asked why the backlash continues to follow her, Agnihotri was blunt, “You play with fire, you get burned.”

Filmmaker Says Her PR Misguided Her During ‘Chhapaak’ Promotions

He further stated that Deepika likely didn’t realize the extent of the political tension at the time, “I don’t know her personally, so I don’t know what ideology she aligns with. I do know that she is a very smart and intelligent woman. Had she known that this is a politically sensitive place and that it might impact her career, she would’ve definitely not gone.”

Agnihotri concluded by saying, “During film promotions, there are too many voices telling stars what to do and who to speak to. Her PR was mistaken, they thought it was an event. But it wasn’t an event. Bigger fish than her have been fried for getting involved in politics.”

Even Chhapaak director Meghna Gulzar had admitted the visit impacted the film’s success, “Yes, it did make a dent on the film… The conversation went from acid violence, which I intended the film to amplify… so of course it impacted the film. There is no denying that.”

CBFC Blocks ‘Santosh’ – Is Indian Cinema Not Ready for the Truth?

March 27, 2025, 2:45 pm

Santosh, the UK official entry in the Oscars’ international feature category and a BAFTA-nominated best debut feature, has been censored by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), reports UK daily Guardian.

The movie, Santosh, directed and scripted by British-Indian director Sandhya Suri, was filmed in India and features the local language of Hindi. According to the Guardian report, the CBFC denied certification due to its purported negative depiction of the police, basing their argument on its handling of entrenched misogyny, discrimination based on caste, as well as police brutality.

CBFC’s Decision Sparks Outrage on ‘Santosh’

Some of the CBFC board members, when reached by The Times of India (TOI), stated that they were not aware of the reasons for the rejection of the film. The film also touches upon sexual violence against lower-caste women and growing anti-Muslim sentiment in India, reports the Guardian.

Ramesh Patange, a writer and CBFC board member, said, “I attend movie reviews once a month, and my role is limited to that. Only the chairman is privy to the board’s day-to-day functioning.” Other board members refused to speak on the issue, saying only CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi could comment. Attempts to reach Joshi were in vain.

Filmmaker Calls Decision “Heartbreaking”

Sandhya Suri was disappointed by the decision, stating, “It was very important to me that the film is released in India so I did try to figure out if there was a way to make it work. But in the end it was just too difficult to make those cuts and have a film that still made sense, let alone stayed true to its vision.”

She also disclosed that the CBFC had asked for far-reaching cuts, and the list of such drastic cuts was so lengthy that it would be impossible to enact. “The list of cuts requested went on for a few pages and included issues over themes concerning police behavior and broader social issues, which are well ingrained in the film,” she informed the Guardian.

Industry Voices Criticize Censorship

Filmmaker and CBFC board member Vivek Agnihotri, in conversation with TOI from Puducherry, lashed out at the censorship. “In my personal capacity, not as a representative of any organisation, I feel deeply distressed that a society which considers itself the spiritual leader of the world is so insecure that it resorts to censorship. Only an insecure society censors art in any form Art, creativity, and literature form the soup that nourishes society. Without it, a society cannot grow,” he said.

Future of ‘Santosh’ in India Is Uncertain

Without CBFC clearance, the future of Santosh’s release in India is also uncertain. The controversy has once again sparked discussions on artistic freedom and the place of censorship in Indian cinema. CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi has so far made no official announcement on the ban.

Suri’s film, which has gained international recognition, may still reach Indian audiences through international streaming platforms, though an official confirmation is awaited.

Vivek Agnihotri, Mika Singh, And More Speak Out On Kangana Ranaut Slap Incident: ‘Those Who Are Laughing’

June 7, 2024, 4:20 pm

The recent incident involving actor-politician Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions from various quarters. From social media users to prominent public figures, opinions vary widely on the altercation between Ranaut and a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable.

Shocking rise in terror and violence in Punjab…. pic.twitter.com/7aefpp4blQ

— Kangana Ranaut (Modi Ka Parivar) (@KanganaTeam) June 6, 2024

Vivek Agnihotri Stands by Kangana

Renowned for his outspoken socio-political views, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri unequivocally supported Kangana Ranaut following the incident. In a tweet, he condemned the incident, emphasizing its danger to democracy, and urged people to refrain from mocking Ranaut’s predicament.

Singer Mika Singh Condemns Kangana Ranaut’s Airport Altercation

Singer Mika Singh expressed disappointment over the reported incident involving Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport. Singh criticized Ranaut for allegedly assaulting a passenger, urging for restraint in professional settings. The incident has sparked debate, with TV actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee also expressing disapproval. Ranaut defended herself, citing controversial remarks she made about women in Punjab during the farmers’ agitation as a possible motive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mika Singh (@mikasingh)

Uorfi Javed Offers Balanced Perspective

Actress Uorfi Javed, in her Instagram stories, struck a balanced chord, expressing disagreement with Kangana Ranaut’s political stance while denouncing the use of physical violence as a means of disagreement. She emphasized that violence is never an acceptable response.

The Chandigarh Airport Incident Unfolds

The Mandi Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut, alleged in a video statement that she was slapped by CISF constable Kulvinder Kaur during a security check at the Chandigarh airport. However, Kulvinder Kaur later addressed the media, expressing her hurt over Kangana’s remarks regarding the ongoing Farmer’s protests. Kaur’s mother was reportedly involved in the protests, and she took offense to Kangana’s past comments on the issue.

Political Context

Kangana Ranaut, who emerged victorious over Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh in the Mandi Lok Sabha polls, has been vocal about her views on various political matters. In 2021, she faced criticism for her remarks against the Farmer’s protests, a topic that continues to be contentious in Indian politics.

Away from the political arena, Kangana Ranaut is gearing up for her directorial venture “Emergency,” where she will portray former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The incident at the Chandigarh airport has not only stirred debate but also reignited discussions surrounding freedom of expression, dissent, and the use of physical force in disagreements, highlighting the complex interplay between politics and public discourse in contemporary India.

Vivek Agnihotri warns The Kerala Story team; Details Inside

May 6, 2023, 4:22 pm

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has given a warning to The Kerala Story’s team. He took to his official Twitter handle and penned a long note.

Vivek tweeted, “CINEMA AND INDIC RENNIASANCE: The Kerala Story. I grew up listening to great filmmakers and cinema critics that the only purpose of art is to provoke people into questioning their own beliefs and biases. I also grew up listening that cinema reflects the reality of a society. I was told that cinema must destroy old Gods and create new Gods.”

The filmmaker also mentioned, “I have come to realise that in modern times cinema has the power to do what media and politics can’t do. It can present uncomfortable reality, correct history, fight culture war and also become the soft power of a nation for larger interest. In India, making such cinema is not easy. I tried it with Buddha in A Traffic Jam, The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. I have been physically, professionally, socially and psychologically assaulted.”

Further, he added, “Even my forthcoming film The Vaccine War, a positive film, celebrating India’s greatest achievement, is constantly being attacked. Mostly by the same people who taught me all the above. When it releases, later this year, I can guarantee they will attack it with a new design because they don’t want India to succeed. Because Truth must not be told. Bharat must not be celebrated. Vipul Shah & @sudiptoSENtlm, @adah_sharma and team of #TheKeralaStory, first let me congratulate you for the brave effort. At the same time, let me also give you the bad news that from here on, your lives will not be the same. You will receive unimaginable hate. Your will feel suffocated. Many times you may get confused and demoralised. But remember, God tests the shoulders on which he can put the responsibility of becoming the change agents.”

The filmmaker concluded his post, “If cinema is a medium to follow your course of Dharma, never stop. Let the community of Indic storytellers grow. Help new, young talented, Indic storytellers. Let this Indic Renaissance become the guiding light of a New Bharat. And whenever you feel nobody is understanding you, remember Gurudev’s lines: Ekla Chalo Re (Go forward alone). Best. Always. With love, VRA.”

Here’s what Vivek Agnihotri tweeted

CINEMA AND INDIC RENNIASANCE:#TheKeralaStory

I grew up listening to great filmmakers and cinema critics that the only purpose of art is to provoke people into questioning their own beliefs and biases.

I also grew up listening that cinema reflects the reality of a society.

I…

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 6, 2023

Delhi HC discharges Film Director Vivek Agnihotri in a contempt case

April 10, 2023, 1:02 pm

The Delhi High Court on Monday released film director Vivek Agnihotri from a contempt case filed against him over a tweet he sent in 2018 against Justice S Murlidhar, who had invalidated Gautam Navlakha’s transit remand.

Following a court order, Vivek Agnihotri appeared in person before the Court. After noting down his appearance, the Bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Vikas Mahajan remarked on Monday, “The notice to show cause issued to him is hereby recalled.” “He is discharged as an alleged contemptor,” the court stated.

Meanwhile, the bench noted that Vivek Agnihotri tenders his unconditional apology by appearing physically in the Courtroom and reiterating his remorse for his remarks against Justice S. Muralidhar in 2018.
The court while passing directions, noted Vivek Agnihotri’s submissions that he had the utmost respect for the institution of the judiciary and didn’t intend to willfully offend the majesty of court.

Advocate J Sai Deepak appeared for Scientist Anand Rangnathan said he will appear at the next date of hearing which is May 24, 2023.

On the last date of the hearing the court has directed him(Vivek Agnihotri) to appear before it in person. On December 6, Vivek Agnihotri had tendered his unconditional apology for the tweets he posted in 2018.
.

Contempt case: Delhi HC directs film director Vivek Agnihotri to appear personally

March 16, 2023, 3:25 pm

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed film director Vivek Agnihotri to appear in person on 10 April in a matter related to a tweet that he posted in 2018 about Justice S Muralidhar, who had quashed the transit remand of activist Gautam Navlakha.

The division bench, comprising Justices Sidharth Mridul and Talwant Singh, directed Agnihotri to appear in person on April 10. The bench also took note of the order of 6 December, when Agnihotri was directed to appear before the court. On the last hearing on 6 December, Agnihotri tendered his unconditional apology for the tweets he posted in 2018.

The bench had asked Agnihotri to remain present at the next hearing. This contempt case was initiated by the court suo moto against Agnihotri and Reserve Bank of India Governor S Gurumurthy.

The counsel for Agnihotri submitted that Agnihotri is down with a fever and, thus, was not able to appear before the court. Thereafter, the bench asked him to appear physically on the next date.

Agnihotri’s counsel had submitted through an affidavit that the tweets were deleted by his client. On the other hand, amicus curiae opposed the submission, saying that the tweets were deleted by the social platform Twitter, not by him.

The bench had said, “We are asking him to remain present because he is convicted. Does he have any difficulty expressing remorse in person? The remorse cannot always be expressed by way of an affidavit.”

Kashmir Files shortlisted for Oscars; Kantara receives 2 Oscar qualifications

January 10, 2023, 12:36 pm

Bollywood movie The Kashmir Files has been shortlisted for Oscar 2023 with Indian films “RRR”, “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Kantara”. Taking to Twitter Vivek Agnihotri tweeted, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: #TheKashmirFiles has been shortlisted for #Oscars2023 in the first list of
@TheAcademy. It’s one of the 5 films from India. I wish all of them the very best. A great year for Indian cinema.”

‘Terror supporters and Genocide deniers can never silence me’, says Vivek Agnihotri

November 29, 2022, 5:46 pm

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid on Monday made a controversial remark on the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’. Lapid called the film “propaganda, vulgar” at the International Film Festival of India closing ceremony. After this Filmmaker, Vivek Agnihotri reacted to the remark and shared a video.

Meanwhile, Vivek Agnihotri shared a video on Instagram and wrote, “Terror supporters and Genocide deniers can never silence me. Jai Hind. #TheKashmirFiles #ATrueStory.”

“Yesterday at IFFI, a jury member called ‘The Kashmir Files’ a propaganda and a vulgar film. This is not a new thing for me, because these types of comments are being made by many terrorist organizations, urban Naxals, and the people who want to divide India. But what surprises me the most is, that this narrative of dividing Kashmir from India by some terrorists was supported on stage at an event organized by the Government of India,” Agnihotri said in a video.

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid on Monday made a controversial remark on the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ and called the film “propaganda, vulgar” at the International Film Festival of India closing ceremony. A video from the festival went viral in which Lapid was seen speaking this.

“Who are these people? These are the same people who called this film propaganda since the day I started working on the film. This film was made after interviewing more than 700 people whose family members were cut into pieces and gang raped. Were all those people talking propaganda or vulgar? The land where once Hindus were in majority has no Hindus today, and many Hindus are killed every other day. Is it propaganda or vulgarity? Yaseen Malik accepted his terrorism and he is in jail today. Is this propaganda or vulgarity?” Agnihotri said.

After making this remark actors and filmmakers condemned the controversial comment in which actor Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumaar, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Vice President Abhinav Prakash were included.

Moreover, Agnihotri further stated, “I challenge all these urban Naxals and the legendary filmmaker who came from Israel, that if they can prove any single shot, event or dialogue is not completely true then I will quit filmmaking. Who are these people who stand up against India every time? These are the same people who never allowed Moplah’s and Kashmir’s truth to come out. These are the same people who were selling burning pyres for just some dollars, and now when I announced my next film ‘The Vaccine War’ they are standing against it also, but I am not afraid, to do whatever you want to do but I will fight.”

However, in 2022 filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’ was released in theatres and is based on the real story of the Hindu exodus in the 1990s in which Kashmiri Pandits were killed.

Furthermore, the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of 2022.

Earlier Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon also slammed the IFFI Jury Head and apologized for the conduct of his countryman on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter Gilon tweeted, “An open letter to #NadavLapid following his criticism of #KashmirFiles. It’s not in Hebrew because I wanted our Indian brothers and sisters to be able to understand. It is also relatively long so I’ll give you the bottom line first. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED.”

Gilon tweeted in a series and talked about the friendship between India and Israel and will survive the damage inflicted by him.

‘Truth is the most dangerous thing’, says Vivek Agnihotri

November 29, 2022, 2:27 pm

Taking to Twitter Vivek Agnihotri took an indirect dig and tweeted, “GM. Truth is the most dangerous thing. It can make people lie. #CreativeConsciousness.”

During the closing ceremony of IFFI Lapid said, “All of us were disturbed and shocked by the 15th film, The Kashmir Files. That felt like a propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable openly sharing these feelings here with you at this stage. In the spirit of this festival, we can surely also accept a critical discussion, which is essential for art and life.”

Meanwhile, in 2022 filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’ was released in theatres and is based on the real story of the Hindu exodus in the 1990s in which Kashmiri Pandits were killed.

However, the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of 2022.

Earlier Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon slammed the IFFI Jury Head and apologized for the conduct of his countryman on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Gilon tweeted in a series and talked about the friendship between India and Israel and will survive the damage inflicted by him.

Vivek Agnihotri’s next ‘The Vaccine War’; to release in 2023

November 10, 2022, 3:44 pm

Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri announced his next film ‘The Vaccine War’ on Thursday on social media.

Taking to Instagram The Kashmir Files’ director said, “ANNOUNCEMENT: Presenting ‘THE VACCINE WAR’ – an incredible true story of a war that you didn’t know India fought. And won with its science, courage & great Indian values. It will release on Independence Day, 2023. In 11 languages. Please bless us. #TheVaccineWar.”

Meanwhile, the movie directed by Vivek is scheduled to release in the theatres on Independence day 2023.

Moreover, the announcement of the star cast is still awaited and the movie is based on a true story that will release in 11 languages.

After sharing the news on social media platforms fans showed their excitement and filled the comment section with emoticons.

“Brilliant. Much deserved. Our scientists, researchers, and country leadership fought on a war scale to deliver against all the naysayers, anti-India Lutyens intellectual lobby, and malicious propaganda by western media and pharma lobby. Extremely underrated achievement,” a fan commented.

“Wow! This looks really interesting, will ruffle many feathers the way The Kashmir Files did. All the best!” another fan said.

Talking about the movie director Agnihotri said, “When The Kashmir Files was postponed during the COVID lockdown, I started researching it. Then we started researching with the scientists of ICMR & NIV who made our vaccine possible. Their story of struggle and sacrifice was overwhelming and while researching we understood how these scientists fought a war waged against India not just by foreign agencies but even our own people. Yet, we won against superpowers by making the fastest, cheapest, and safest vaccine. I thought this story must be told so that every Indian can feel proud of their country.”

“This will be India’s first pure science film about a bio-war we had no idea about,” Agnihotri said.

However, there will be a big Bollywood clash between ‘The Vaccine War’ and John Abraham’s upcoming film ‘Tariq’.

Entire Bollywood mourns on the legend Raju Shrivastava’s death

September 21, 2022, 1:11 pm

The legend of stand-up comedy, Raju Shrivastava, who won many hearts as a stand-up comedian and an actor, passed away at the age of 58 on Wednesday.He took his last breath in Delhi’s AIIMS hospital.He was admitted after suffering a heart attack on August 10 while working out at a Delhi hotel gym. Several Bollywood celebrities grieved his death on social media platforms and paid tribute. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Anil Kapoor posted a photo from their film together and wrote, “Om Shanti.”Film director Vivek Agnihotri shared a video message on Twitter. He credited Raju for solely shouldering the trend of stand-up comedy. He wrote in Hindi, “There is no such friend or stranger whom Raju Srivastava did not make laugh. Raju brother, gone too soon. You were a true legend of stand-up comedy. Om Shanti #RajuShrivastava.” Actor Ajay Devgn posted a black and white photo of Raju on Twitter. He said, “In your lifetime you gifted us laughs & more laughs, on & off the screen. Your untimely demise makes me very sad. RIP Raju. Om Shanti. May the Almighty give your family strength in this hour of bereavement.”Sudhir Mishra tweeted, “Raju Srivastava has gone! Hopefully, the lesson that he leaves behind is that irreverence should be our default state. To laugh in the face of authority is a fundamental right. Alvida (Goodbye)!” Rajpal Yadav shared a photo of Raju on Instagram and wrote, “I have no words to describe this loss. You have left us all too soon. You will be missed my brother. I just can’t believe this.#RajuSrivastav #RIP.” “Raju Srivastava Om Shanti RIP,” wrote filmmaker Rakesh Roshan on Instagram. Sanjay Gupta said, “Rest In Peace Raju. Thank you for all these years of fun and laughter.”Mika Singh tweeted a photo of Raju and wrote, “The great comedian, the most humble and respected @iRajuSrivastava bhai has sadly left us with his memories. May God bless his soul, rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti.” Shekhar Suman said on Twitter, “Wat I was dreading for the past one month has happened.Raju Srivastava has left all of us for his heavenly abode.Devastated to hear the news.May God grant him eternal peace. #OmShanti.”Nimrat Kaur tweeted, “Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Late Raju Srivastava ji. May God bless his journey into the light #RIPRajuSrivastava.” Divya Dutta wrote on Twitter, “Heartbreaking to hear about the sad demise of #rajusrivastava. My first film had him in an integral part. Thank you for all the smiles. laughs and warmth. RIP. May God give your family strength.”Raju Shrivastava’s brother, Dipoo Shrivastava told that he got call from the hospital at morning and he was told that Raju is no more. The legend is succeeded by his wife and two children. He was declared dead at 10:20 a.m.

Vivek Agnihotri shares Bollywood’s ‘inside story, talks about stars’ drug addiction

August 21, 2022, 1:16 pm

Vivek Agnihotri, a filmmaker, has revealed a Bollywood “inside story.” He claimed that it was both a “cemetery” and a “hub” of talent. He discussed how individuals who don’t achieve the required degree of success become trapped in the showbiz industry’s vicious cycle without any means of support and are driven to fake it.

The filmmaker wrote, “What you see is not Bollywood. Real Bollywood is found in its dark alleys. Its underbelly is so dark that it’s impossible for a common man to fathom. In these dark alleys, you can find shattered dreams, trampled dreams, and buried dreams. If Bollywood is a museum of talent, then it’s also a cemetery of talent. It’s not about rejection. Anyone who comes here knows that rejection is part of the deal. It’s the humiliation and exploitation that shatters tender dreams, hopes, and belief in any kind of humanity. One can survive without food, but to live without respect, self-worth, and hope is impossible. No middle-class youngster grows up ever imagining being in that situation.”

He added, “It hits so hard that instead of putting up a fight, one gives up. Lucky are those who go back home. Those who stay on, break apart. Those who find some success but not the real one, get into drugs, alcohol, and all kinds of life-damaging stuff. Now they need money. So, they get introduced to all kinds of fun money. Some success is the most dangerous one. You are in showbiz without any income and power. You have to look like a star, party like a star, PR like a star, but you aren’t a star. Imagine yourself in a gangsta ghetto where you have to behave like a gangster without a gun or knife. This is where you are open to humiliation and exploitation. Instagram is not free. It demands money to shoot, look good, and sound busy.”

Taking to writter, he talked about the inside story.

He said, “The hollow race of validation” brings them back to where they started from—”the dark hole, which keeps getting deeper and deeper with each race.” He added, “You show off, nobody sees. You scream, no one hears. You cry, no one cares. All you find is surrounded by people laughing at you. You bury your dreams. Quietly. But then you find people dancing on the grave of your dreams. Your failure becomes their celebration. You are a dead man walking. Irony is nobody can see you are dead except for you. One day, you literally die. And then the world sees you.”