Political agenda set in films is restrictive: Imtiaz Ali on being apolitical
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali discusses I Will Be Back and why he calls himself an apolitical filmmaker. He said that the politics of the film does not stem from any fixed ideological agenda, but from personal desires.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali explains why he continues to call himself “apolitical” despite his latest film. i will come backWidely seen as political. The director said that he does not believe in making films with any definite political agenda, describing such an approach as “restrictive” for a storyteller.
in conversation with Hollywood Reporter IndiaAli considered politics i will come backWhich ends with scenes from Gaza and Palestine, referring to tragedies occurring around the world. When asked why he described himself as “apolitical” even while promoting the film, the filmmaker said that politics is often driven by personal feeling or desire and that is where he has established himself.
Referring to the lead characters, Keanu (played by Vedang Raina) and Jiya (Sharvari), Ali said that their opposition to partition is rooted in their love for each other rather than ideology.
He said, “Their politics is that there should not be division. But the reason for that politics is personal. They want to live together. One is a Sikh and the other is a Muslim. They do not want to be separated, so politics is driven by personal feeling or desire. That is my position in life.”
❮❯
According to him, the politics in the film grow from what the characters want in their personal lives rather than a fixed ideological position.
He also said that he cannot take a political stance in a film because he has to understand why each character is moving in a certain direction. Referring to Afzal, played by Danish Pandor, Imtiaz said that the character argues that partition should happen, although it is sad. Afzal also tells the central characters that worse things are likely to happen and it would be better for them to leave. Imtiaz said that Afzal was also motivated by something personal, possibly an ambition to become a leader, and added that the character could have easily been Keanu under different circumstances.
He said that politics is often “subject to the wishes of the people”, adding that people often adopt political positions because they are aligned with their personal interests.
The filmmaker also said that he avoids making films with a definite political agenda because he finds it creatively limiting. He added, “I think it’s very restrictive if you have a certain political agenda in a film. As a filmmaker, if I have the same political agenda all the time, I’m not really letting myself explore the world.”
i will come back It focuses on the human cost of Partition and tells the story of two lovers whose lives are changed by the partition of India. The film ends with scenes from Gaza and Palestine, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary conflicts. It has grossed approximately Rs 96.97 crore worldwide since its release.