Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh director Rajkumar Santoshi seeks police protection after receiving death threats

Veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi - who is known for films like Andaz Apna Apna, Ghayal and Damini - has ruffled feathers with his new film, Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh, slated to hit the theatre this Republic Day. While it is said that narrative relies on a fictional situation, where Mahatma Gandhi survives Nathuram Godse’s assassination attempt, and the two later meet in a prison cell to engage in what can be described as a fiery ‘vicharon ka yudh’, many don’t seem to be happy with the film’s intent. The director has now sought security from Mumbai Police for himself and his family. This happens after he recently received death threats from protestors.

Featuring actors Deepak Antani (as Gandhi) and Chinmay Mandlekar (as Godse), Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh is seen as a major comeback film by the director, whose last movie - Phata Poster Nikhla Hero - was released in 2013. In a letter to the Special Commissioner of Police, Deven Bharti, Rajkumar said that a group of people with vested interests recently interrupted a press conference of the film. “Later, several threats were received from some unknown people asking me to stop the release and promotion for this movie. I feel unsafe and I submit that grave damage and injury could be caused to me and my family members if such persons are set free. I request you to urgently provide me with additional security to protect myself and other members of my family,” he wrote. Supported by Santoshi Productions LLP and PVR Pictures, Gandhi Godse: Ek Yudh is releasing on January 26. The film’s music is composed by Oscar and Grammy-winning AR Rahman, while sound design is done by Resul Pookutty. 

Commenting on playing a controversial character like Godse on screen, Chinmay - who was last seen as Farooq Malik ‘Bitta’ in The Kashmir Files - recently said in an interview with OTTplay that controversies can be created out of anything, but that does not mean that creative people will stop working on projects.