Hema Malini praises Batwara 1947: 'Humanity more important than hatred'
Synopsis
BJP MP Hema Malini took to X to call Sunny Deol's Partition drama 'Batwara 1947' simply brilliant, praising its message of humanity over hatred and congratulating director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan. The endorsement from one of Bollywood's most recognisable faces gives the Independence Day release — which opened to mixed reviews — a significant boost in public conversation.
Key Takeaways
Hema Malini , BJP MP and veteran actress, praised Sunny Deol 's 'Batwara 1947' in a post on X on Monday .
She called the film 'simply brilliant' and highlighted its message that humanity and harmony are more important than hatred and division.
Malini lauded performances by Sunny Deol , Shabana Azmi , Karan Deol , and Preity Zinta .
She congratulated director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan for the film. 'Batwara 1947' released on 14 August and is inspired by Asghar Wajahat 's Punjabi drama; it opened to mixed reviews .
Veteran actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Hema Malini has heaped praise on Sunny Deol's newly released period drama 'Batwara 1947', calling it 'simply brilliant' and lauding its message of humanity over hatred. The endorsement, posted on Monday via Malini's official account on X, comes days after the film's release during the Independence Day weekend on 14 August.
What Hema Malini Said
In her post, Malini wrote: 'I watched the movie “Batwara” yday. Simply brilliant with a clear message that conveys what the nation needs today. It reminds us that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony are far more important than hatred and division. I hope this beautiful message inspires people to change their mindset and choose kindness over hate.'
She also extended congratulations to director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan, adding: 'Brilliant direction by Rajkumar Santoshi with outstanding performances by Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi. Also in the cast with good performances were Karan Deol & Preity Zinta. Congratulations to Aamir Khan for producing a timeless film with a message that is truly the need of the hour.'
Cast and Creative Team
Beyond Sunny Deol, the film features Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, and Preity Zinta in prominent roles, with Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput, and Isha Sandhir in significant supporting parts. The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan.
The Film and Its Backdrop
'Batwara 1947' is set against the harrowing events of the 1947 Partition of India. The film is believed to draw inspiration from playwright Asghar Wajahat's celebrated drama 'Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai' — a popular Punjabi phrase that translates loosely to 'If you haven't seen Lahore, it is as if you were never born.'
Released on 14 August during the Independence Day weekend, the film opened to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Notably, Partition-themed films have seen renewed audience interest in recent years, particularly around Independence Day releases.
Why the Endorsement Matters
Malini's backing carries weight both as a Bollywood veteran and as a sitting BJP MP — lending the film a cross-cultural resonance that its makers are likely to amplify in the coming weeks. Her emphasis on the film's message of communal harmony is particularly significant given the current social climate, with the film arriving at a moment when narratives around Partition history remain deeply relevant to national discourse.
Whether the film can convert critical goodwill and high-profile endorsements into sustained box-office momentum remains to be seen.
Point of View
And mixed critical reviews mean it needs exactly this kind of high-profile word-of-mouth to build legs. The more interesting question is whether Aamir Khan's producing credit — always a lightning rod — helps or complicates the film's reception in certain quarters. The film's literary source, Asghar Wajahat's celebrated play, gives it artistic credibility that mainstream coverage has largely underplayed.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hema Malini say about Batwara 1947?
Hema Malini called 'Batwara 1947' 'simply brilliant' in a post on X, praising its message that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony are more important than hatred and division. She also lauded performances by Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, and Preity Zinta.
Who directed and produced Batwara 1947?
'Batwara 1947' is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. Hema Malini specifically congratulated both for delivering 'a timeless film with a message that is truly the need of the hour.'
What is Batwara 1947 based on?
The film is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India and is believed to be inspired by playwright Asghar Wajahat's acclaimed Punjabi drama 'Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai', which translates to 'If you haven't seen Lahore, it is as if you were never born.'
When was Batwara 1947 released and how was it received?
'Batwara 1947' released on 14 August during the Independence Day weekend. The film opened to mixed reviews from both critics and audiences.
Who else is in the cast of Batwara 1947?
Apart from Sunny Deol, the film features Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput, and Isha Sandhir in significant roles.
