Over a year after the release of his The Kashmir Files, which stirred considerable controversy across the country, director Vivek Agnihotri is gearing up for the release of his next film, The Vaccine War. Touted as India’s first bio-science film, The Vaccine War narrates the tale of the scientists instrumental in creating the indigenous BBV152 vaccine, commonly recognized as Covaxin.
Ahead of the film’s release on September 28, Agnihotri spoke candidly about his target audience while criticising the culture of star worship and Bollywood.
Pointing out that those who are devoted to celebrity worship may not necessarily appreciate his films, Agnihotri told Cinema Express that his viewers were those who wish to watch movies that mirror their own lives and the society they live in.
Furthermore, the filmmaker slammed Bollywood by dubbing it as a “corrupt, old and dead system” that places stars at the pinnacle. “They believe the audiences are dumb. They believe stars are everything, and as a result, you don’t know the names of writers and directors. Thus it’s like one fascist system where the dictator is the most important person. I challenge that system which is why I always refer to ourselves as Indian cinema,” he said.
Vivek Agnihotri emphasised that his objective is to present The Vaccine War on the global stage to demonstrate that India is no longer a ‘can’t-do-it’ country.
Agnihotri further clarified that The Vaccine War is not centred around Covid-19 but rather focuses on how Indian scientists, particularly women, developed a vaccine against it.
In the interview, Vivek Agnihotri also praised South Indian stars. Agnihotri said: “Look at Rajinikanth… he moves around with no pretence. He’s my idol. Even the biggest of stars here are very simple people. Recently I saw Chiranjeevi walking around wearing a chappal. I like that. I don’t like arrogant behaviour.”
Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news along with Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at The Indian Express.
The Vaccine War director Vivek Agnihotri calls Bollywood a ‘corrupt, old and dead system’; praises Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi – The Indian Express
Leave a comment