‘Ek Tha Tiger’ actor Samar Jai Singh on getting threat calls after doing film based on Delhi riots: ‘I have received 2 calls from…’ – Exclusive

'2020 Delhi' film director and actor share their purview on the controversy surround the movies inspired by Delhi riots, getting threat calls, and more.

On an ill-fated day in February, the capital of India witnessed bloodshed, gunshots, fire and lot of collateral damage. The riots of Delhi in 2020. “Inspired” by true events, director Devendra Maalviya made his debut film ‘2020 Delhi’ featuring ‘Om Namah Shivay’ famed actor Samar Jai Singh. The film is riddled with political fervor that claims to depict the ‘untold truths’ that unfolded on the day. Speaking exclusively with India.com, the director and actor opened up about their take on why Congress wanted to stop the release of the film, receiving threats and more.

The film based on the Delhi riots had mustered a lot of chatter after the release of its trailer. Politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi moved the Election Commission of India to halt the release of the film as it was “divisive” in nature.

In a response to the Singhvi’s opinion on the film, the debutant director published a letter on his social media citing his purview. Towards the end of the letter he also mentioned how his family has been subjected to threats.

In the wake of increasing death threats being to subjected on actors, we asked the team about the scare and risk of the job. ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ actor Samar Jai Singh responded, “Scary personally toh nahi but family ke liye you do feel scared. But when you are trying to be honest toh yeh sari chizein hongi. I have received the calls in the last two-three days, +92 was the initial code, that is our neighbouring country, I did not know how to respond, you can see the missed call…” (Not personally, but you feel scared for the family. In past 2-3 days I have received calls with +92 as initial, that is our neighbouring country. I did not know how to respond, you can see the missed call…).

Director Maalviya added by emphasising that it is unfortunate how artists are not really free in terms of expression.

2020 Delhi Director: ‘Jinhone Delhi Jaladi…’

Pertaining to the controversy of the film, the directors revealed that the Election Commision had issued no notice to the makers as yet. “Film mai kuch political nahi hai. Isme chunav se kya relation hai. Ek hadsah hua tha. Jinhone Delhi jaladi, mardiya, itna log margaye, itni public property nuksan hua tab kuch nahi ho paya, tab kisi ko itni problem nahi hui jo log itna baat kar rahe hai maine  film banadi usmei problem hoagyai “ (There is nothing political in the film. It has no relation with election. An unfortunate incident happened, Delhi was burning, people died, there was damage to property. So much was lost but no one cared then, but they have a problem now when I made a film).

Adding on Singh commented on Singhvi’s move of calling a press conference and how it was a bid to take a “political mileage out of this film.”

The team agreed to accept the ECI’s notice, if any, with regards to change of release date as they respect the body and believe in the strength of their content.

‘2020 Delhi’s release was originally slated for February 2 but owing to certain “technical issues in the application process for the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) certificate” it will not be released without the CBFC  certification and is delayed until then.