Shah Rukh famously chose to list his female leads’ names first in the credits of his films to honour their contributions. He has continued to honour this trend.
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha says before him, he never saw a hero
Sinha added he used Shah Rukh Khan as an example to show how cinema and actors can bring about a small but significant change in society.
Anubhav Sinha has often made films that have sparked conversations. Be it Mulk, Thappad, or Bheed, his films have held a mirror to society. His next directorial – Assi – is the story of a rape survivor and her and her lawyer’s fight for justice, while also evaluating what justice means. Afore the film’s release, he discussed the transformative power of cinema.
Anubhav Sinha and Shah Rukh Khan worked together in Ra.One.
When asked if cinema has the power to effect change in society, Anubhav says that such change ‘can’t be quantified adding that change is gradual and not always immediate. About how not just films but even film stars can bring about change, he shares an example. “Before Shah Rukh Khan emerged as the star that he is, he never saw a hero run down the steps to give the lady a hand to climb up and has never seen an actor do that.
The director adds that Shah Rukh doing that consistently over the years made it a norm in the industry. “That is such aspirational conduct that now, you see it very often. Now, that’s a change. People are opening doors for women.
Change happens in so many ways,” adds Anubhav. He has directed Shah Rukh in Ra.One, the 2011 sci-fi thriller that also featured Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles. The film was not a major commercial success, but has since gained a cult following, with particular praise for its VFX.
Assi, Anubhav’s next, features Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer fighting a brutal rape case, while Kani Kusruti co-stars as the survivor. The film, written by Gaurav Solanki, boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Supriya Pathak, and Manoj Pahwa, along with cameos by Naseeruddin Shah and Divya Dutta. Produced by T-Series, the film releases in theatres on 20 February.
News Edit KV Raman
