New Delhi: The much-anticipated Hindi film ‘Fighter,’ starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, is all set to release on January 25. The film’s trailer was released recently and it received criticism from Pakistani artists. The Pakistani celebs felt the film has an aggressive anti-Pakistan tone and dialogues. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the war film is reportedly based on the retaliatory strike by the Indian Air Force after the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Pakistani celebs like Hania Aamir, Adnan Siddiqui and Zara Noor expressed their disappointment on social media. Actress Hania Aamir wrote on Instagram, “So sad and unfortunate to know that there are artists out there in this day and age who are aware of the power that the cinema holds and still go ahead and feed the riff between the two countries. I feel sorry for the artists who try to bridge the gap by trusting their art as a medium.”
In response, director Siddharth Anand replied to a tweet that cited a movie she worked on that was perceived as anti-India. The tweet read, “If Indian celebs have no issue with the anti-India stuff Pakistani celebs do in movies, why do Pak celebs care so much?”
Siddharth replied and wrote, ‘Oh.’ He also responded with a thinking face emoji.
The tweet referenced Hania’s role in the 2018 Pakistani film ‘Parwaaz Hai Junoon.’
Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui and actress Zara Noor Abbas also weighed in, expressing their disappointment with Bollywood crafting what they perceive as hate-filled narratives.
Adnan Siddiqui tweeted, “Once celebrated for love, Bollywood now crafts hate-filled narratives, portraying us as villains. Despite our love for your films, it’s disheartening. Art transcends boundaries; let’s use it to promote love and peace. Two nations, victims of politics, deserve better.”
Zara Noor Abbas expressed her own views through Instagram stories; she said, “Aren’t you guys tired of selling the same false crap?! Grow up, guys! The world is moving on and getting mature but why do you want to sell this cheap story of hatred? Could have also promoted peace. Don’t we have enough hatred in the world that you had to boost more hate through this global medium of movies?”
Fighter also stars Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi.