Actor Randeep Hooda has reacted to controversy surrounding his film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar by telling critics to do their homework well in advance of forming an opinion.
Hooda's directorial debut has been targeted, particularly by Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew, Chandra Kumar Bose, who accused the movie of distorting historical facts by linking Savarkar to Netaji. Bose argued that Netaji represented inclusive secularism, unlike the ideology of Savarkar.
Hooda defended the film, explaining that it attempts to undo years of Savarkar propaganda and present a true account of his contribution to India's freedom movement.
He went on to state that many freedom fighters, including Savarkar, had sent mercy petitions while in prison, something elaborately discussed in the film. Hooda called Savarkar one of India's most misunderstood leaders and asked people to watch his ideologies critically.
The film has drawn polarized responses, with some praising its attempt to introduce lesser-known aspects of history into the frame and others criticizing it as being agenda-promoting.
Hooda has called for an openness in embracing historical accounts, pointing out that one needs to move beyond political binarism in comprehending multifaceted figures like Savarkar.
