Randeep Hooda on receiving no support for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' from Bollywood: 'I make films for the audience, not the industry'

In a candid conversation at TOI Dialogues, Randeep Hooda delved into the complexities and challenges he faced while making the biopic 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. Reflecting on the film being labeled as propaganda, Randeep emphasized the intellectual depth of Savarkar and the extensive research he undertook to portray the historical figure authentically."Making the film was very difficult, like the person himself," he remarked, noting the polarized reactions in today's socio-political landscape. "Things have become black and white nowadays; there is no grey area. Left and right wing belong to the same bird."

Randeep shared that if the film were mere propaganda, it would not have been such a struggle to bring it to life. His commitment to telling the untold story of Savarkar, whose life spanned romantic, pragmatic, and political phases, drove him to persist despite the film being heavily criticized. "Our history has neglected his story," he said, explaining his intent to shed light on Savarkar's contributions. Despite the backlash, he expressed relief that he recovered his investment and that the film has found a place on OTT platforms.

When asked why he decided to direct the film, Randeep confessed he initially knew little about Savarkar. His curiosity led him to start with Wikipedia and delve into various books, including perspectives from the British. This deep dive into history fueled his passion for the project, even though he felt exhausted by the end of it. Looking ahead, Randeep expressed a desire to venture into different genres, including action films, potentially set in Uttar Pradesh. "I keep breaking moulds; I want to make an action movie. Modestly speaking, I have given a new perspective on making biopics to the industry and hopefully will do the same with my action film."

Addressing the lack of support from Bollywood for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar', Randeep was forthright. "Bollywood gave zero support for Savarkar. I make films for the audience, not them," he asserted, highlighting the critical support he received from producer Sajid Nadiadwala. His focus remains on connecting with the audience rather than seeking validation from industry peers.


Touching upon the ongoing debate on nepotism in Bollywood, Randeep shared his perspective. "My father is a doctor, and so is my sister. I don't think getting inspired by parents is nepotism. If star kids want to be a part of the industry, there is nothing wrong with it," he stated, emphasizing that his long-standing career speaks for itself, regardless of industry politics. "I cannot be an outsider; I have been working for so long. I don't belong to any groups."
Through his words, Randeep Hooda painted a picture of a dedicated artist committed to storytelling, driven by a desire to explore and present diverse narratives, while remaining grounded and authentic in his approach. According to the latest buzz, that actor is gearing up to try his hand at directing again, this time with an action film.