Scary when films sway people; won’t make films like Chhaava or The Kashmir Files: John Abraham
New Delhi: Actor John Abraham, who is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Tehran, based on the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats, has said he has no interest in making nationalist films, even though such projects often dominate the box office.
Speaking to India Today, the actor reflected on the success of titles like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files, which have stirred both audiences and controversy, and explained why he prefers to steer clear of that trend. He expressed concern over the growing audience for right-wing films, noting that such trends force filmmakers to choose between pursuing commercial success and remaining true to their creative vision. Abraham has opted for the latter, prioritising authenticity over box-office appeal.
When asked if the success of films like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files had ever prompted him to explore similar themes, Abraham said such projects, often made to influence audiences in a hyper-political climate, were a cause for concern. “I have never been tempted, and I will never make those kind of films,” he asserted.
John also addressed the issue of censorship, acknowledging its importance but criticising its current management as less than ideal. He noted that he has maintained a responsible approach in his filmmaking and does not align with any political ideology. “We need censorship, but the way it has been overseen… it’s a bit question mark. They have been good with us, but I have also been responsible with the way I have made my films. I am not right or left wing. I am apolitical,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, he remarked that Hindi cinema is no longer as secular as it once was. Comparing it with Hollywood, he said it was vital for India to preserve its secular fabric, adding that the industry is “walking a very tight rope” in the current climate.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
