Vivek Agnihotri shed light on the online abuse he endured from fans of the superstar Prabhas.
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In the midst of anticipation surrounding his upcoming film "The Vaccine War," filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri recently disclosed an unsettling experience during an interview with The New Indian Express. Agnihotri, known for his thought-provoking projects, shed light on the online abuse he endured from fans of the superstar Prabhas.
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The Vaccine War, a cinematic endeavor produced on a modest budget of ₹12.5 crore, features Nana Patekar in a leading role, portraying the head of a team of scientists embarking on the quest to develop India's first vaccine against Covid-19. Accompanying Patekar are Anupam Kher, Raima Sen, Sapthami Gowda, and Pallavi Joshi, all playing pivotal roles in the film. The project was initially poised for a head-to-head clash with Prabhas's much-anticipated "Salaar." However, as per recent reports, the release of "Salaar" has been postponed to December, setting the stage for an intriguing clash with Shah Rukh Khan's "Dunki," helmed by the acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani.
Speaking candidly about the turbulence leading up to the film's release, Agnihotri voiced his concern over the unwarranted online attacks he faced. He expressed his belief that every film should receive a fair chance, free from preconceived notions. Referring to the clash with "Salaar," he remarked, "The Vaccine War is a small film with no stars, made on a ₹12.5 crore budget. Another film, Salaar, was coming—a colossal ₹300 crore project. Their fans were hurling abuses, engaging in trolling, demanding, 'Get him away from here, he should not come here. Why is he here?' But it was someone else who eventually made way," alluding to the rescheduled release of "Salaar."
However, Agnihotri's perspective on success extends beyond box office numbers. In an earlier conversation with Hindustan Times, he emphasized that his primary focus lies in the audience's reaction to his work. He stated, "For me, if even one girl gets inspired by my film to become a virologist, I'll consider my film successful." Agnihotri shared heartwarming anecdotes from screenings in the United States, where viewers laughed, cried, and expressed gratitude for the film's portrayal. Now, the litmus test awaits as Indian audiences prepare to embrace "The Vaccine War," a film poised to hit theaters on September 28.
Amidst the clashes and controversies, "The Vaccine War" stands as India's maiden venture into the realm of bio-science cinema, exploring the extraordinary journey of scientists in the battle against Covid-19. As Vivek Agnihotri navigates the unpredictable tides of the film industry, he remains steadfast in his commitment to inspiring and resonating with audiences, transcending the conventional metrics of success.
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