Rajkumar Santoshi questions audience hesitation over Sunny Deol playing a Muslim in Batwara 1947; asks, “If Spiderman’s name was Aslam Sheikh, would they reject him?”

Rajkumar Santoshi directorial Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in a Muslim character for the first time, has been receiving positive feedback from audiences who have watched the film.

However, director Rajkumar Santoshi says he is surprised that the appreciation has not translated into stronger box office numbers.

The filmmaker has now urged audiences to come to theatres, watch the film and then form their own opinion.

Speaking to a portal/publication, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He went on to highlight the response from those who have already seen the Partition drama.

“The people who have seen the film Batwara are liking it a lot.” According to Santoshi, the film has also prompted viewers to reach out to the team.

“They are appreciating it a lot.

They are sending so many fan mails.

They are getting so many bookings.” The filmmaker further described the emotional response from audiences emerging from theatres.

“People are calling and appreciating it.

And when people who have come out of the theatres are asked how it is – their eyes are tearful.” Santoshi also revealed that some viewers have compared Batwara 1947 with Sunny Deol’s blockbuster Gadar, which remains one of the actor’s biggest commercial successes.

He said, “Everyone is saying that ‘it is a bigger film than Gadar.

It is a better film than Gadar’.

Gadar is one of the biggest hits of Sunny's career.” Despite the positive word of mouth, Santoshi expressed his surprise over the film’s box office performance.

“They are appreciating it so much.