Indian films on terror are often jingoistic: Kabir Khan (Interview)

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, June 26 (IANS) Filmmaker Kabir Khan, whose latest venture "New York" highlights prejudices in the US after the 9/11 attacks, says Indian films made on terrorism are often "jingoistic" but maintains that his take on the issue would provide a balanced view.

"Unfortunately, films on terrorism in our country are often high-pitched and jingoistic. And that's counter-productive. My film, I'd like to believe, is a very balanced view of terrorism," Kabir told IANS in an interview.

Asked if 26/11 had changed his perception on 9/11, Kabir said: "I don't think 26/11 changed my perception on terrorism or on my film. Though the attack on the Taj and Oberoi (hotels) were the most audacious in Mumbai, what about the foiled attack on our parliament? And more people died in the train explosions of Mumbai."

The filmmaker, whose last film "Kabul Express" also looked at terrorism, said he was fine with many directors making films on the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai as long as they aren't exploitative in nature.

"I'd say a film on terrorism would be exploitative if a filmmaker made a bad film on the events of 26/11. I am aware 36 titles have been registered for films on 26/11. No harm in that as long as they are sincere," he said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. How did 26/11 change your perception on 9/11?

A. I don't think 26/11 changed my perception on terrorism or on my film. Though the attack on the Taj and Oberoi were the most audacious in Mumbai, what about the foiled attack on our parliament? And more people died in the train explosions of Mumbai. At the end of the day what do terrorists want? A splash.

Q. So isn't that what you are giving them by making a film on terrorism with three glamorous stars?

A. No. I'd never do something like that. Even when "Kabul Express" went to the Toronto Film Festival I was asked by Americans why I was siding with the Taliban. All I can say is there's a human face to even the worst political ideology. My loyalty to my country is a given. No one can question that.

I'd say a film on terrorism would be exploitative if a filmmaker made a bad film on the events of 26/11. I am aware 36 titles have been registered for films on 26/11. No harm in that as long as they are sincere. Unfortunately, films on terrorism in our country are often high-pitched and jingoistic. And that's counter-productive. My film, I'd like to believe, is a very balanced view of terrorism.

Q. You bond big time with John Abraham?

A. John brings in an incredible integrity. John agreed to be in "Kabul Express" even without Yashraj (Films) in the picture. Both John and Arshad Warsi were very supportive."