Is It Right to Protest Films Without Watching Them? Actress Anubha Arora Weighs In

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protesting films without viewing them is unjust.
- Experiencing art is essential for valid opinions.
- Collaboration with visionary directors enhances creativity.
- Understanding context is key to critique.
- Emotional preparation is vital for portraying complex characters.
Mumbai, Sep 3 (NationPress) 'The Bengal Files' actress Anubha Arora asserts that it is inappropriate to protest films without viewing them first.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Anubha expressed that one cannot formulate a credible opinion without experiencing the content personally.
"It's akin to evaluating a book solely by its cover. A film may delve into themes far beyond your initial assumptions, so it’s essential for viewers to watch it before making judgments," she remarked.
When asked about the film facing backlash and the cancellation of screenings, Anubha responded, "To be honest, I wasn't there, so I lack detailed insights. Had I been on site, I might have had more to share."
For context, "The Bengal Files" encountered significant opposition, including an FIR against director Vivek Agnihotri, for allegedly mischaracterizing freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, also known as Gopal Patha, as a "butcher."
Reflecting on her collaboration with Agnihotri for "The Bengal Files" and her casting journey, Anubha shared, "This role was introduced to me by Tarun Bajaj Casting. Initially, I auditioned for one script, then another tailored for my character. After being shortlisted, I performed an audition at the office, followed by a look test, and eventually, everything aligned perfectly. I was thrilled with the entire process—it was seamless and instilled confidence in me."
When queried about her character and who was more serious on set, she revealed, "Truthfully, both of us maintained a serious demeanor. Vivek is a visionary—he comprehends precisely what to capture, where to improvise, and perceives narratives not just as a filmmaker but also from an audience perspective. I was serious too, as my character demanded a robust emotional portrayal, requiring extensive emotional preparation, which kept me fully engaged."