The upcoming film 72 Hoorain continues to be in the midst of mainstream discussion, it has set the Leftist echo chambers buzzing with allegations and insinuations of Islamophobia. While there are targeted attacks meant to discredit the hard work Singh and his team have put into the National Award winning work, the Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan in a freewheeling discussion with Organiser explains the rationale behind his decision to make 72 Hoorain, the roadblocks he faced and how steadfastly the movie debunks myths surrounding indoctrination, fundamentalism while exposing the sinister machinations that drive Islamic terrorism all over the world.
“72 Hoorain delves deep into the concept of terrorism with the intent to address the root cause of the problem and expose the driving force behind it,” says Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan while speaking to Sharmi Adhikary in an exclusive and incisive interview. Excerpts:
72 Hoorain, which got feted with a National Award for direction, is not exactly a new film. Then what took it so long to be released in theatres?
The production of our film was marked by a series of challenges, resulting in an extended timeline. However, despite these obstacles, we were prepared to release it in 2019. We chose to showcase the film at various festivals, and to our delight, it garnered significant recognition by winning both a National Award and the esteemed Gandhi Peace Prize. This boosted our spirits. But the film’s journey was not without its share of setbacks. Just as we were finalising the strategies for a release, the world was hit by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis brought the film industry, along with many others professions, to a standstill. The impact of the pandemic was far-reaching, leading to theatre closures, event cancellations and an overall disruption in film distribution.
“These films have the potential to engage and educate the youth, offering them an alternative perspective and emphasising the repercussions of embracing extremist ideologies. Our work directly targets terrorism and terror factories operating worldwide”
Why did you decide to make 72 Hoorain, a movie that broaches discussion on a sensitive topic for many? Were you prepared for the backlash and the constant triggering to stall the project?
It’s amusing how in the debates and discussions regarding my upcoming film, a lot of educated intellectuals are just skimming the surface on global terrorism that operates as per some of the religious tenets of Islam. They cry foul about ‘attacking Islam’ without understanding how the dagger is always directed by sane moviemakers at radicalism that fuels terror without monkey balancing facts or justifying crimes. When the world is gripped by a series of devastating terror attacks, the mind can only process how it unleashes profound sensitivity and heartbreak.
The magnitude of such tragedies defies comprehension and ultimately they forced us to confront the chilling reality that countless lives could be claimed by the actions of those convinced to commit such atrocities. Determined to shed light on this dark subject, I delved into extensive research, and to my astonishment, uncovered a disturbing common thread — a doctrine known as the 72 Hoorain, a twisted proposition offered in exchange for the sacrifice of life (Jihad). Driven by a deep sense of purpose, I made the decision to transform this harrowing discovery into a compelling feature concept.
Lahore, your first film, suggested peacemaking efforts between India and Pakistan. 72 Hoorain is a direct calling out of some of the anomalies in Islam that drives radicals and fundamentalists to do what they do. Any reason for this change in stance?
The long-standing issue between India and Pakistan has consistently revolved around terrorism, creating a significant challenge in de-escalating tensions between the two countries. The active presence of terror factories in Pakistan has hindered any potential resolution, making the achievement of peace seem unattainable. This is precisely why the film in question holds immense importance, particularly for the impressionable youth who may be susceptible to choosing the wrong path.
Both Lahore and 72 Hoorain share a common conceptual thread in addressing this critical subject matter. They aim to shed light on the underlying issue, serving as a powerful tool to resonate with and influence young minds. These films have the potential to engage and educate the youth, offering them an alternative perspective and emphasising the repercussions of embracing extremist ideologies. Our work directly targets terrorism and terror factories operating worldwide.
“These films have the potential to engage and educate the youth, offering them an alternative perspective and emphasising the repercussions of embracing extremist ideologies. Our work directly targets terrorism and terror factories operating worldwide”
The importance of these films lies in their ability to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and encourage introspection among the discerning audience. By presenting the consequences and pitfalls associated with terrorism, they serve as a guiding force, steering young individuals away from the wrong path and promoting understanding, empathy, and peace.
Films like The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and 72 Hoorain are being slammed by terror apologists as being Islamophobic. What is your take on this? How exactly is your script directed at decimating this duplicitous propaganda against these films?
None of these films are Islamophobic. Rather, they delve into the major issues prevalent in the country. 72 Hoorain specifically delves deep into the concept of terrorism with the intention of addressing the root cause of the problem and exposing the driving force behind the dangerous web across the globe.
In such films, chronology and facts become extremely important. How did you manage to adhere to them without being too preachy or melodramatic?
The decision to embark on such a project is undoubtedly a significant one. It is understandable that you have to approach it with caution and care. Taking years to meticulously select and craft each line of the film demonstrates your dedication to create a thoughtful and impactful piece of work. This level of attention and consideration is often necessary when dealing with a sensitive and complex subject matter, ensuring that the film accurately portrays the intended message while respecting the diverse perspectives and experiences involved. Your conscientious outlook towards the project reflects your commitment to delivering a compelling and meaningful story to the audience across the globe.
Liberals and Leftists have been misleading the impressionable youth by dishing out distorted narratives, propaganda and agenda–driven work. They have been instrumental in diluting the effects of terrorism by covering up the doctrine and referring to it as resistance
There is a surging trend of films exposing the dangerous facets of radical Islam. Do you feel this is because the audience is waiting for the truth to spill out? What is your take on upcoming movies like Ajmer 92, Godhra as well as productions based on brave nation alist Veer Savarkar?
It is encouraging to observe that there is a level of acceptance for content like ours, not only among the audience but also within the film industry. This indicates a growing openness to diverse and thought-provoking narratives, reflecting a positive shift in the acceptance and appreciation of such content. The willingness of both the people and the fraternity to embrace and support films that explore unique and important themes is a promising development in the industry.
The pseudo-liberal and Leftist lobby are on an overdrive to cancel all films that don’t suit their narrative. Your take on their outrageous demand.
They don’t even matter. They are a fake lot who have been misleading the impressionable youth by dishing out distorted narratives, propaganda and agenda–driven work. They have been instrumental in diluting the effects of terrorism by covering up the doctrine and referring to it as resistance. But truth always has a way to surface and the time for that has arrived.
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