27th July 2023, Mumbai: The much-awaited trailer of Gadar 2, the sequel to Anil Sharma’s 2001 blockbuster, was unveiled on Kargil Vijay Divas. The event witnessed the presence of Anil Sharma, Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, and the rest of the Gadar 2 cast. However, Sunny’s statement on India-Pakistan relations during the trailer launch sparked intense controversy and drew mixed reactions from the audience.
Sunny Deol’s Controversial Statement
During the Gadar 2 trailer launch, Sunny Deol emphasized the importance of humanity over conflict. He blamed the political game for inciting hatred between India and Pakistan, which is a central theme reflected in the film. While some appreciated his stance, others on social media criticized it, calling it a diplomatic move to attract Pakistani audiences, leading to a boycott call for the film.
Twitter Reacts
Sunny Deol’s statement garnered polarized reactions on Twitter. Some users accused him of being ignorant and suggested he visit Pakistan to gain perspective. Others believed the film’s release in Pakistan was the reason behind his diplomatic stance and expressed concern that it might hinder its success in India. The nostalgia associated with Gadar’s anti-Pakistan sentiment was considered essential for the sequel’s triumph.
Boycott Gadar 2 Movement
The backlash on social media resulted in a “Boycott Gadar 2” movement, with many expressing discontent over Sunny’s statement. Critics claimed that the film’s fate was already sealed due to the controversial dialogue, making it a flop even before its release. However, some users mocked the film’s low buzz, implying that even a boycott call wouldn’t impact its underwhelming reception.
Gadar 2: The Sequel After Two Decades
Directed by Anil Sharma, Gadar 2 brings back Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in their iconic roles of Tara Singh and Sakina. The story has progressed 22 years since the original, and Utkarsh Sharma, who plays Jeete, has grown into a young man. While the film aims to appeal to both old and new audiences, Sunny’s statement has stirred controversy and affected its pre-release reception.
The trailer launch of Gadar 2 was not without its share of drama and controversy. Sunny Deol’s diplomatic statement on India-Pakistan relations drew mixed reactions from the public. While some supported his call for peace, others perceived it as a move to cater to the Pakistani audience, leading to calls for boycotting the film. With the movie set to release on August 11, all eyes are now on how the audience will receive this much-anticipated sequel after over two decades.
-by Kashvi Gala