Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta-starrer Batwara 1947 was released on Friday, August 15, and clashed at the box office with Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani’s Awarapan 2. While the Rajkumar Santoshi directorial received mixed reviews, with some praising the film and others comparing it unfavourably with Sunny Deol’s earlier hits such as Gadar, the actor’s stepmother, BJP MP and veteran actor Hema Malini has now praised the film and its message.
On Monday, Hema Malini took to her official X handle and applauded the makers for highlighting the importance of humanity, mutual respect and harmony over hatred and division.
“I watched the movie ‘Batwara’ yday. Simply brilliant with a clear message that conveys what the nation needs today. It reminds us that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony are far more important than hatred and division. I hope this beautiful message inspires people to change their mindset and choose kindness over hate. (sic),” she wrote.
Hema Malini also praised the performances of Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol and Preity Zinta. Extending her wishes to director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan, she wrote, “Brilliant direction by Rajkumar Santoshi with outstanding performances by Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi. Also in the cast with good performances were Karan Deol & Preity Zinta. Congratulations to Aamir Khan for producing a timeless film with a message that is truly the need of the hour.”
The film also features Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput and Isha Sandhir in significant roles.
Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India, Batwara 1947 explores the human impact of the historic division. The film is reportedly inspired by Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai, a popular Punjabi phrase that translates to, “Visiting Lahore is so fundamental that if you do not come here, it is as if you have not even been born.”
At the box office, Batwara 1947 witnessed a significant dip in collections on its first Sunday. According to trade site Sacnilk, the film recorded an India net collection of Rs 26.50 crore over its opening weekend.
The film opened with Rs 5.75 crore net on Friday before witnessing a significant jump to Rs 13.50 crore on Saturday. However, collections dropped by 46.3 per cent on Sunday, with the film earning Rs 7.25 crore net across 7,239 shows.
Overseas, the film collected Rs 2 crore on Day 3, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 5.50 crore. Its worldwide gross collection currently stands at Rs 37.11 crore after three days.
Backed by Aamir Khan, Batwara 1947 is facing stiff competition from Awarapan 2, which emerged as the stronger performer during the opening weekend and has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide. The film now faces a crucial Monday test to determine whether it can sustain its theatrical run in the coming days.
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, Batwara 1947 marks the reunion of Santoshi and Sunny Deol and also marks Preity Zinta’s return to the big screen after an eight-year hiatus.