Patcy N in Mumbai
Newspapers, these days, keep throwing up headlines about the active Naxal and Maoist movement in the country. But many of us may not have a deeper insight into their lives. This Friday, Red Alert -- the war within tries to explore their world, and as Vinod Khanna says, raise their voices to the government.
The veteran actor tells Patcy N more about the film, which also stars Suniel Shetty and Sameera Reddy.
You seem to have limited accepting roles in recent times. What made you sign Red Alert?
I am in politics. Most of my time goes in looking after my constituency. That's why I did not want to commit to many films or else I would not be doing justice to my constituency. I choose only a few films now and then, that I like.
I do films because I need the money, since I don't make money from politics. And I'v'e got to live; I have a family, I have children.
I chose Red Alert because I loved the script. I have known (director) Anant Mahadevan for a while. Suniel Shetty was keen that I take a look at the script and my character. After reading it, I liked it and loved my character. I thought the story dealt with the real issue in this country. The public needs to be made aware of it and they must raise their voices to the government, who should do more for people who are affected and who join this movement called Naxalism or Maoism, and pick up arms.
Besides, I have a high respect for the film's producer T P Aggarwal. I knew he would not compromise on the making of this film.
The veteran actor tells Patcy N more about the film, which also stars Suniel Shetty and Sameera Reddy.
You seem to have limited accepting roles in recent times. What made you sign Red Alert?
I am in politics. Most of my time goes in looking after my constituency. That's why I did not want to commit to many films or else I would not be doing justice to my constituency. I choose only a few films now and then, that I like.
I do films because I need the money, since I don't make money from politics. And I'v'e got to live; I have a family, I have children.
I chose Red Alert because I loved the script. I have known (director) Anant Mahadevan for a while. Suniel Shetty was keen that I take a look at the script and my character. After reading it, I liked it and loved my character. I thought the story dealt with the real issue in this country. The public needs to be made aware of it and they must raise their voices to the government, who should do more for people who are affected and who join this movement called Naxalism or Maoism, and pick up arms.
Besides, I have a high respect for the film's producer T P Aggarwal. I knew he would not compromise on the making of this film.
'the government has not been able to tackle Naxal movement'
What is your character in the film like?
I play Krishna Raj, a Naxal leader. He moves incognito. He has no identity. Nobody has photographs of him. He recruits people and motivates them to pick up arms. He makes them believe in his ideology and in the future that he is promising them. He also arranges finance for the movement.
As a politician, how would you explain the rise of the Maoist movement? Do you believe they are wrong?
I don't believe anybody is wrong. Nobody wants to live the way they are living or fight for a movement which has no goal or future. But obviously, this is a section of society that has been alienated and which has not got their due. They are deprived people. They have land, forest and tribal issues.
The government is not looking into their problems and not giving them a life of dignity, so obviously they are taking up arms. They are raising their voice to bring attention to themselves, that they are exploited and neglected.
How do you believe should the government tackle it?
For decades, the government has not been able to tackle it. Even though they have raised their voices and picked up arms, still nothing has been done for them.
It is a very serious problem, and the whole nation needs to be aware of it. We must do something about it and bring it to the attention of the government and authorities concerned so that these people can live a dignified life and secure a future for their children.
I play Krishna Raj, a Naxal leader. He moves incognito. He has no identity. Nobody has photographs of him. He recruits people and motivates them to pick up arms. He makes them believe in his ideology and in the future that he is promising them. He also arranges finance for the movement.
As a politician, how would you explain the rise of the Maoist movement? Do you believe they are wrong?
I don't believe anybody is wrong. Nobody wants to live the way they are living or fight for a movement which has no goal or future. But obviously, this is a section of society that has been alienated and which has not got their due. They are deprived people. They have land, forest and tribal issues.
The government is not looking into their problems and not giving them a life of dignity, so obviously they are taking up arms. They are raising their voice to bring attention to themselves, that they are exploited and neglected.
How do you believe should the government tackle it?
For decades, the government has not been able to tackle it. Even though they have raised their voices and picked up arms, still nothing has been done for them.
It is a very serious problem, and the whole nation needs to be aware of it. We must do something about it and bring it to the attention of the government and authorities concerned so that these people can live a dignified life and secure a future for their children.
'I have no political ideologies'
Does your doing a role in a film like Red Alert conflict with your responsibility as a politician?
No, why should it? I am just playing a role; I am not a Naxalite. I may play a murderer or a rapist but that does not make me one.
Let me tell you, I have no political ideologies. I'm in politics only to serve people. Politics has given me a platform to serve and I use it.
How was it working with Suniel Shetty?
I think this is one of Suniel's best performances. He is amazing. He fits his role like a glove.
Is the film based on a true life incident?
You may compare it to today's Naxal movement and issues that they are facing. But it is not a true story.
Does your political work get hampered when you shoot films?
No. I allocate dates for my films and the rest of the time, I get busy with my political life. My film work does not interfere with my political work.
No, why should it? I am just playing a role; I am not a Naxalite. I may play a murderer or a rapist but that does not make me one.
Let me tell you, I have no political ideologies. I'm in politics only to serve people. Politics has given me a platform to serve and I use it.
How was it working with Suniel Shetty?
I think this is one of Suniel's best performances. He is amazing. He fits his role like a glove.
Is the film based on a true life incident?
You may compare it to today's Naxal movement and issues that they are facing. But it is not a true story.
Does your political work get hampered when you shoot films?
No. I allocate dates for my films and the rest of the time, I get busy with my political life. My film work does not interfere with my political work.
Comment
article