Sudhir Mishra in Kolkata: I do not want to spread hate through my films

Sudhir came to Kolkata on Sunday for a special screening of Afwaah

A file photo of Sudhir Mishra in Kolkata in December

Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah was released on May 5. Afwaah which literally means rumour features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Pednekar and it shows how a rumour can harm a person's life. Sudhir came to Kolkata on Sunday for a special screening of the film. He also took part in a discussion with the audience. Goutam Ghosh and Anjan Dutt were also there.

In an interview with Anandabazar, Sudhir said, “I saw how a rumor can unsettle a man’s life. I wanted to talk about this.” The suppression of the artists' voices is a big issue nowadays. Sudhir said, “Once a journalist asked me in New York if I was scared to make films in India. I replied that I would answer after going back to India. I am proud of India.”

Sudhir does not agree with the opinion that India’s political situation is an obstacle to art. He said, “I have faith in the constitution. I do not want to spread hate through my films.” While talking about The Kerala Story, Sudhir said, “I oppose any kind of ban on films. You can criticize if you don’t like it, but you can’t ban it. If you have objections regarding any film, you can go to the court. But you can not stay silent. If seniors like us are silent, the new generation will lose heart.” He further added, “I went at Vivek Agnihotri's invitation to his podcast. He is like my brother. We may have a difference in opinion, but that does not mean we will stop talking.”

Did he face any pressure while making Afwaah? Sudhir smilingly said, “Every time a director fights with only one thing before making a new film. That thing is mediocrity.” He also added, “My toughest fight is with myself, not with the government.”

Recently the film Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap, was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and got a standing ovation. The film was dedicated to Sudhir, who said, “We have a long relation with each other. He treats me as his elder brother. I was inspired by his Dev D. He encourages me.”

Right now, Sudhir is making a web series on the student movement of the ’70s. He is also thinking about making a comedy film.

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