Shruti Suman
Nitesh Tiwari, the visionary director behind the captivating film ‘Bawaal,’ opens up about the tumultuous criticism his latest creation has faced. Embracing a poignant tale of a young couple’s journey to reconcile their marriage, played by the talented Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, the film takes them on a soul-searching expedition to Europe’s World War II sites.
One scene, in particular, has ignited fervent debate among viewers, as Nisha, portrayed by Janhvi, daringly questions, “Aren’t we all a little like Hitler?” while visiting Auschwitz, and later uses it as a metaphor to depict the struggles within her relationship. This intense moment has been met with polarizing reactions, leaving Nitesh Tiwari disheartened and dismayed.
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Tiwari bravely defended the scene and revealed his profound intentions behind it. He expressed his disappointment in the misinterpretation of his work, emphasizing that sensitivity was always at the core of his storytelling. He pointed out how the characters of Ajju and Nisha were profoundly affected and moved by their experience at Auschwitz, shedding tears for the prisoners and their harrowing fate. Clearly, they were not being insensitive; instead, they were deeply moved by the historical tragedy.
Tiwari urged viewers to look beyond one or two isolated incidents and embrace the broader essence of ‘Bawaal,’ which is rich with meaningful messages. He questioned why the film should be judged solely based on those moments when it encompasses so much more. The director passionately defended the authenticity of his creative process and cautioned against questioning his intent, as it can be emotionally damaging and tarnish the credibility he has built over years of hard work.
Khushi Sikarwar
