Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, which also marks the swan song of the late legendary actor Dharmendra, is, at its heart, an anti-war film that asks a fundamental question: what does war bring, if not bloodshed and trauma? However, since its release, the film has become embroiled in online trolling, facing merciless criticism. Actor Suhasini Mulay, who also stars in the film, recently came to its defence amid the backlash. Speaking at the Gauhati Press Club, the veteran actor praised Ikkis, highlighting that it did not depict Pakistanis as “ghosts and demons” but portrayed them as “humans.”
She further contrasted this with a film like The Kashmir Files, saying, “However, I was told by the script writer that they were being trolled by the people. If you are in this society in this era, then you will be trolled. So, you don’t make such films. You make The Kashmir Files, you will get your entertainment tax waived.” Reflecting on the kind of cinema being promoted today, the actress, known for her roles in Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, and Jodhaa Akbar, added:
“The political cinema now is ideologically right-wing, and religious dominance is the norm. There has been an incredible projection of violence, which we never saw earlier. And it is both mental and physical. There is also the huge question of ‘otherisation’ of indigenous people and minorities, not just Muslims, but all minorities.”
Recently, in a conversation with Scroll, filmmaker Sriram Raghavan spoke about the trolling the film faced upon release: “I was completely surprised. There are all kinds of movies made by different kinds of people. I have made what is best for me, what we felt had the most heart, which would resonate. I am not pro this or pro that. I wanted people to come out with a certain feeling in their hearts. It’s a humane feeling.”
