Sacred Games Controversy
Anurag Kashyap has appreciated Congress President Rahul Gandhi's comment on the freedom of expression as a fundamental democratic right, in the context of the filmmaker's web show "Sacred Games".
Netflix's "Sacred Games", produced by the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Entertainment's Phantom Films joint venture, is facing a legal petition over the removal of certain content from the web series on the grounds of insulting Rajiv Gandhi.
Breaking his silence over the "Sacred Games" web series, Rahul Gandhi had on Saturday tweeted: "BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed and controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right."
"My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," he added. To that, Kashyap, who has directed the show with Vikramaditya Motwane, wrote: "That's a yay..."
Actress Swara Bhaskar, who often expresses her opinion on socio-political issues, wrote: "It is impressive that a mainstream politician like Rahul Gandhi is taking this clear and progressive stand on freedom of expression and censorship. Also it's gracious and mature that he is able to set aside the personal for the larger goal of democratic rights. Credit where due."
The series, based on author Vikram Chandra's eponymous novel, has references to the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government, as well as the Bofors scandal and the Shah Bano case that created a storm during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister.
Largely, the film industry, audience and even international media has given a thumbs up to the show, which has Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte in pivotal roles.
Filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted: "The bar is set! The standard is gold! 'Sacred Games' is the best digital content of the season. Brilliantly written, executed and performed. This crime series will keep you hooked and completely booked for season 2! Bravo!!!"
(Also read: ‘My father lived and died in service of India’: Rahul Gandhi on ‘Sacred Games’ row)
(With IANS inputs)
