Leftists propagate intellectual terrorism, my film shows correct path for youths: Vivek Agnihotri

Your film Buddha in a Traffic Jam has already been screened at many varsities, including few IITs and IIMs. Why do you seek MHRD's intervention if Jadavpur university and a few others refuse to screen it?

The film's screening was strongly opposed at JNU, National Law Universities, IIT-Madras and Punjab University. Now, Jadavpur university is also refusing permission to hold the screening, even though the students want it.

These institutions are headed by Leftist people. What is happening in the JNU now, I had portrayed in the film four years ago. I seek Smirti Irani's intervention so that all students can watch the film. It is so relevant and revolutionary. It presents a different narrative from what the Left-heavy campuses are propagating. These Leftists manipulate the minds of students, mainly those from Humanities stream, to propagate "intellectual terrorism".

The so-called intellectuals have influenced the academia and media both. They believe in utopian ideology and create conflicts. My film portrays positives of the society and shows the correct path for the youngsters.

There is a perception that the film is against the Left ideology and so the Right-wing people are supporting it now.

I have nothing to do with politics. My film is against Naxalism. The fact of the matter is that Naxals have killed more people in India than the Kargil war. I have screened my film in over 35 campuses and have met with nearly 50,000 students. Over 99% of them are against Kanhaiya Kumar (JNUSU chief) and the kind of narrative propagated by him and his supporters. If Kanhaiya enjoys the freedom of speech, then why can't others? Four or five journalists, who are aptly called "presstitutes", are making him a hero.

In your speech at JNU recently, you said India doesn't need freedom from Manuvaad, and Brahminvaad has helped the country grow. How would you justify such views, especially when we still see several cases of discrimination against Dalits?

Where is Manuvaad in the country now? By the way, no one reads Manusmriti these days. All such slogans are publicity stunts. How can we deny contribution of Brahmins in the country's development? You can't spin your arguments around Brahminvaad, at least now. Do airlines differentiate on the basis of caste? These are non-issues in modern times. In fact, 50% of Indians are against reservation. But if Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) expresses his views, BJP loses polls. We have become a static country. Nobody wants to talk about issues that are close to so many youngsters. In fact, we need freedom from mediocrity.

What is your expectation from the film now?

I did not make this film for money. Moreover, it is being released along with Azhar, which will be screened at 4,000 theatres. Due to lack of funds, my film will be shown only in 175 theatres. I would like every student to watch this film. It has won accolades in several film festivals.

What would be your next film about?

I have been thinking for quite some time now about making a film on Emergency and Bofors deal. But things didn't materialise, as nobody wishes to be associated with and sponsor such controversial subjects. Things, however, are changing now. A film on Kashmir has broken myths. With the goodwill and success of Buddha in a Traffic Jam, I hope financiers will come forward.