New Delhi

Now in its third week and maintaining a strong hold in theatres all across India, Anand Pandit’s Veer Savarkar premiered on March 22 to a lot of buzz. Posting a decent business at the box office so far, actor Randeep Hooda has been praised for his portrayal of the freedom fighter whose name has often evoked a variety of reactions. 

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Steady in its numbers, Veer Savarkar has proved to be a hit gamble for Anand Pandit. We caught up with the producer who was always convinced on the idea of telling Savarkar's story, on his choice of Randeep to play the eponymous freedom fighter and balancing words thrown at his film like “propaganda”. 

Here are the edited excerpts from our chat: 

WION: It's been three weeks and Veer Savarkar is still going strong in theatres. How does it feel?

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Anand: Even before the release, I have mentioned that my primary aim with the movie Swatantra Veer Savarkar is not financial gain. While I am happy with the excellent reception the movie has received, what is more satisfying for me is that many people, especially the youth, have understood the life of this great leader. That was my main expectation, and I am happy to have achieved that goal.

WION: How do you feel about picking Randeep Hooda for the titular role. Was he a good choice?

Anand: Nobody doubts Randeep's calibre as an actor. In Swatantra Veer Savarkar, he took on multiple roles as the lead actor, director, and co-writer. He shouldered all the responsibilities exceptionally well, as evident by the results. Many people mentioned that they were not only absorbed in his realistic portrayal of Savarkar but also amazed by his directorial prowess.

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WION: These days films, mostly biopics on historical figures get stuck in political discourse. How do you ensure that the film stays true to its agenda – which is entertainment?

Anand: We strive to maintain the perfect balance between truthful storytelling and entertainment values. Our key focus was to deliver a compelling cinematic experience while keeping in mind the sensitivities surrounding the historical figure and the incidents depicted in the movie. 

Thorough research was conducted to authenticate the historical narrative and avoid any political bias or agenda. We always aim to entertain audiences with the strength of the content while remaining faithful to the essence of the story being told.

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WION: Your film has been labelled by many as a mere propaganda. Is it?

Anand: The key purpose of the movie is to shed light on Savarkarji's life and legacy, ensuring that his message reaches today's and future generations. Hence, every aspect of the movie has been carefully crafted to reflect history as accurately as possible. Though some may have interpreted it differently before the release, our focus remains unchanged- to tell Savarkarji's story respectfully and truthfully.

Also read: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar: Randeep Hooda’s movie witnesses big jump in third week at box office