John Abraham says he will never make films like Chhaava and Kashmir Files; calls himself ‘apolitical': ‘Scary when films are made to sway people'
In a conversation with India Today, John spoke about censorship and said that while he agreed it is important, the way it is managed currently isn't ideal. 'We need censorship, but the way it has been overseen… it's a bit question mark. They have been good with us, but I have also been responsible with the way I have made my films. I am not right or left wing. I am apolitical,' he said.
John admitted that it is a worrying trend that right-wing films find the maximum audience. However, despite the obvious traction and profits, he does not want to make such films like Chhaava or The Kashmir Files. He said, 'What is worrying to me is that right-wing films find a huge audience and that's when you ask yourself as a filmmaker what line will you toe — Am I going to take the commercial line or I'm going to stay true to what I want to say — and I have chosen the latter.'
When asked if he feels tempted to make films like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files, which have both enjoyed box office success, John responded, 'I haven't seen Chhaava, but I know that people have loved it and also The Kashmir Files. When films are being made with the intent to sway people in a hyper political environment and such films find an audience, that is scary for me. To answer your question, no, I have never been tempted, and I will never make those kind of films.'
Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava has been the biggest hit of the year, minting almost ₹800 crore at the box office. The film is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, and his fight with Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Many have pointed out historical inaccuracies in the film and called it 'half-baked.' The Kashmir Files, on the other hand, was also surrounded by controversies. It tells the story of the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir and went on to win the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film in the National Integration category at the National Film Awards.
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