Actor Vikrant Massey came to Jaipur for the promotion of his film 'The Sabarmati Report'. Meanwhile, he talked about his film career and experiences associated with films. He said- when he was offered this film, his family and friends refused. Wife said, you are crazy. Why are you doing this? Family and friends said – You are already facing a lot of criticism on social media. After the film, more criticism will be faced.
When I did the research, I felt I had to do it. The film is ready. There are many threats now. I have also filed a police complaint regarding this. The theory that spread at that time regarding the Sabarmati fire incident. He is still alive today. We are making a film to dispel those theories from people. As for the change in his ideology, he said- things change with time. I too have grown. This film has not changed my thinking. Read full interview further…
Vikrant Massey tasted Dal-Bati in Jaipur.
Bhaskar: There is a dialogue in the trailer that the central train should pass through Gujarat instead of UP. This explains the political scenario, what is your opinion on this? Vikrant Massey: We have not said anything in this that you do not know. We are referring to the 2002 incident. Our film chronicles the journey from 2002 to 2010. We believe that a lot of changes have taken place in the last 10 years. From a political perspective, from a public perception perspective, especially on the Sabarmati fire issue. The dialogues of the film are true to some extent. You can also agree. Now the problem is that those names also came in front of you without saying anything.
Nowadays there are more lawyers than writers in the film industry. We get notices every other day. Now I have done the film Sector 36, which was released a few days ago. We have received 50 cases in this regard. There have been different cases not only against me but also against the entire team. Which is Sector 36 of Delhi or Noida. They have filed a case against us that you are tarnishing the name of our sector. We too have to struggle with such things. Names have to be changed. There are many things to do that should not be done. That is why we are trying to bring you an important story.
Bhaskar: How did this story take 22 years to come to light? Vikrant Massey: It was an event that clouded our socio-political and cultural fabric overnight. This is our equivalent of 9/11. My friends who are currently in the media also believe in this. It has been 22 years since this incident. Even today those 59 people are seen as statistics. Half the people don't even talk about it. I can assure you that if you watch this movie, you will get a different angle.
As part of the film's promotions, Vikrant Massey met the media at a mall in the city.
I want to tell you something different about what happened in World War II. What happened in Germany, Russia, America. We have its data. What happened on which date? All that was taught to us in our books. Films have also been made on it. Many films have been made which have also won Oscars. Such a big accident has happened in our country. We don't know about it. Sadly, the theory that was built on the ground at that time is still alive today. He regrets it. Now I cannot say why it took 22 years to bring this story to light. My intention was to bring this story to light.
Bhaskar: How much information did you have about the incident before the story of the film came out? Did your thinking change after doing this film? Vikrant Massey: I was 15-16 years old when this incident happened. You all understand. As a child, your parents want to protect you. If the news of that incident was playing in our house, the channel was changed. At that time there was talk of riots in the news. There was talk of violence. For many years you were not given correct information about the Sabarmati fire in the news. The news was only of riots. The international press also published the same. People came from far and wide. Riots were said to have taken place.
We have prepared the story based on the Supreme Court decision. We have shown what the Supreme Court has said in the form of a story. Even after the court's decision, the old theory persists. We say we believe in democracy, but we are also victims of collectivism somewhere. We believe what we want to believe. No matter how many facts or truths are brought before us.
This film has not changed my thinking. Man changes with time. You may not be who you were 10 years ago. There must have been a change. There is an English saying that change 'is the only constant'. I travel the country and the world. I have seen things with my own eyes.
I know what is the background of this question. I have given my answer. I don't want this to happen with this film too, that our conversation should go into political topics. I must say I have evolved too. Change must keep coming. I believe that I will not be who I am today in 10 years. Should keep changing.
Bhaskar: You work more on stories with truth, what is the reason? Vikrant Massey: Even today I believe that stories and films have full potential. This thing inspires people. It entertains. Because family members want to go to cinema theater happily. We want too. Sometimes it becomes very important to tell that story. Reaching out to people is essential. Today is my privilege, I am standing here in the cinema hall. This was my dream. This is my reality. It is an important step for me to give something to my society and to all of you, because I exist because of you. That's why I bring a story which is your story.
Bhaskar: Is your family receiving threats after this film? Did you consult him before doing this film? Vikrant Massey: There has been miscommunication about family members receiving threats. I was asked a question at a press conference in Mumbai, which I answered. Which was misrepresented on social media. My family members are not receiving threats. I am receiving threats. In a way, it is like a Chinese game. I am being targeted. I am told a lot, but I have made some decisions. No more fear. There is a feeling of lightness somewhere. First there was fear. While it will be recreated on 27th February. There were also many problems during the shooting. We read very easily, but when we go to do it. A big problem arises. I am taking whatever steps are necessary for my safety and the safety of my family. We are all doing this together.
I have a close relationship with producer Ekta Kapoor. He is not a producer. He is also my mentor. We have also lodged a complaint with the cyber police. To be honest, now the fear is diminishing. It took a lot of courage when I tried to tell this story. No problem now. Our thinking from day one was to remember those 59 people and give them a true tribute. The role of media should be brought before people.
I ask my family for everything. However, the decision is mine alone. My parents are very normal people. They have no such information. Far be it from having anything to do with such a subject. They don't even know what a movie is. What is a script? How is it made? What is marketing? They know nothing, like every parent they are proud of their son.
Talked to my wife Sheetal. I usually speak briefly when there is a discussion at home. When he was told that a film is being made on this subject. To be honest my wife said you are crazy. Why are you doing this? I have some friends who are from this industry. When I asked him, he was saying why brother gets into trouble. When later I got the research material. When I heard the story I felt that this story should be told. Whatever Ekta Kapoor wants to say, she should say it.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
