The escalating India-Pakistan tensions have started to affect Bollywood’s creative and release strategies, and Lahore 1947 appears to be the latest film caught in this geopolitical crossfire.
Sunny Deol Puts Lahore 1947 on Hold Amid Rising Sentiments
According to Bollywood Hungama, Sunny Deol—known for his nationalistic roles—is deliberately delaying the patchwork shoot of Lahore 1947 due to the current anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. Though only around 15 days of shoot remain, Deol is reportedly hesitant, fearing the film could be misinterpreted due to its Partition-era themes involving Pakistani characters.
A source revealed:
“Sunny loves the subject of the film, but in today’s volatile climate, he’s worried it could be twisted by vested interests. So, he’s being cautious.”
Preference for Border 2 Over Lahore 1947
Insiders suggest that Deol is likely to prioritize Border 2, where he plays a soldier fighting the Pakistani army, aligning more directly with the current nationalistic wave. Border 2 is slated for a Republic Day 2026 release, making it timely and politically resonant.
About Lahore 1947
- Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
- Producer: Aamir Khan
- Cast: Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Aamir Khan (in a special role)
- Inspiration: Based on the critically acclaimed 1980 play Jis Lahore Nahi Dekhya by Syed Asghar Wajahat
- Plot: Set during Partition, the story explores a Hindu-Muslim cultural and emotional bond through the eyes of a Muslim family that migrates to Lahore and moves into a haveli vacated by a Hindu family—only to find that the Hindu matriarch refuses to leave.
Political Sensitivities and Fallout
This shift in priorities highlights the growing commercial and political pressure on Bollywood films dealing with Indo-Pakistani themes, especially those promoting cross-border empathy or cultural ties. The ban on Pakistani social media accounts and growing calls to boycott Pakistani talent has added further fuel to the fire.
