Actor John Abraham has made it clear that he has no intention of venturing into the kind of hyper-nationalistic cinema represented by films like The Kashmir Files and Chhaava. Currently promoting his upcoming film Tehran, the actor expressed concerns about the large audience such politically charged films attract.
John said while censorship is necessary, the manner in which it has been implemented raises some questions. He noted that the authorities have treated his projects fairly, but credited himself for being mindful of how he makes his films. Emphasizing that he is neither right wing nor left wing, and identifies as apolitical, he expressed concern over the massive popularity of right-wing films. He added, this forces filmmakers to question whether to follow a commercially driven path or remain true to their own vision a choice in which he has consistently opted for the latter.
Although he admitted to not having seen Chhaava, John acknowledged the widespread popularity of both Chhaava and The Kashmir Files. He described it as concerning when films are created with the intent to influence audiences in a hyper-political environment and still manage to attract massive viewership. He firmly stated that he has never been tempted to make such films and never will.
Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, tells the story of Maratha ruler Sambhaji Maharaj and his resistance against the Mughal Empire. The movie has been criticised for reportedly misrepresenting historical events. On the other hand, Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files which depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, won the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration but also sparked intense debate over its portrayal of events.
John’s film Tehran draws inspiration from the 2012 incident involving attacks on Israeli diplomats in New Delhi. Directed by Arun Gopalan, the project is backed by producers Dinesh Vijan, Shobhna Yadav, Vipin Agnihotri, and Sandeep Leyzell, and stars Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar. It is set to premiere on ZEE5 on August 15, 2025.