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'Pass judgments after watching the film'

by: Shilpa Jamkhandikar
- dnaindia.com

Director Ashutosh Gowariker comes clear about controversies surrounding ‘Jodhaa Akbar’...

What is it about you and epic scale movies?

Honestly, I don’t know. I guess I am just attracted to stories that have epic proportions. Whether it was a ‘Lagaan’, or a ‘Swades’ or now an epic romance like ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, it is certainly not conscious on my part.

What do you have to say about the controversies surrounding the script? The Rajput Sabha even went to court saying historical facts were misrepresented in the film.

Well, I would not like to comment on the issue in detail right now, because it is still in court. But I would like to say that I have done enough research on Mughal history before starting out to make a film. When you are making a historical, it is imperative that you are bang on in terms of facts. I would really prefer it if those who have a problem with the film pass judgments after watching it. To say anything before the film is out would be unfair.

Do you think there will be more such controversies as the release date nears?

Well, given the subject of the film, I would say that such controversies could be part of it before the film releases, but not afterwards. Once people have seen the film, and realised my intentions in making it, all doubts would be cleared. That is why I would appeal to people to actually watch the film before jumping to any conclusions.

All your films seem to have a thread of nationalism running through them. Even in this film, Hrithik mouths the dialogue, “Main Hindustan ko galat haathon mein nahi jaane doonga.”

Wow! I have never thought of it from that angle, but you are right. Perhaps I am drawn to such subjects. Although it may manifest itself in different ways, my films could have the common thread of nationalism running through them. I will have to explore this theme more.

Did the Abhi-Ash wedding hamper shooting plans?

No, not at all. We had gaps in our shooting schedules and the wedding took place during one of those gaps. There was no question of the wedding delaying the shoot at all. These are just rumours.

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