Mumbai, Artists are citizens of the country who have every right to hold authorities accountable, veteran actor Kamal Haasan said, admitting that there is a "risk" in making films that question the government.
The actor was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Hindustani 2: Zero Tolerance", in which he reprises the role of Senapathy, a freedom fighter turned vigilante who fought against corruption in India.
Titled "Indian 2: Zero Tolerance" in Tamil, the upcoming film is a sequel to Kamal's 1996 hit film "Indian", which featured him in a double role. Shankar returns to direct the second part of the franchise.
When asked if it is difficult to make films that question the government today, the actor said this problem has persisted since the British era.
"People were making movies even then. We will continue to make those kinds of movies, no matter who is at the top of the establishment. It's not just the filmmaker, it's the citizen's right to ask those questions.
"We, as artists, represent many of you. Thanks to the applause, we believe that we are your representatives, that is why we speak bravely, without thinking about the guillotine. Yes, there is a risk, the government can get angry, but your applause extinguishes that fire, so make it stronger," Kamal told reporters here.
The 69-year-old man stated that not only politicians, but also citizens are to blame for the corruption that plagues the country.
"We are all responsible for corruption and we must all change our minds. And the best time to change our minds is during elections. These are just reminders of how corrupt we have become... Nothing has changed because of corruption. Everything will change thanks to collective consciousness," he added.
The actor-filmmaker said that while he is a fan of Mahatma Gandhi, he does not subscribe to the ideology of tolerance. Kamal also directed and starred in the 2000 film "Hey Ram," which focused on Gandhi's assassination.
"I am a big admirer of Gandhi ji. They say he taught you tolerance: 'What do you think about tolerance?' I say I am not a big fan of this tolerance business. Gandhi ji is my hero but who do you tolerate, not a friend.
"I want friendship to grow in the world. What you tolerate is a headache. Anything that is a headache for society, you should have zero tolerance. Find a medicine, turn it off," he said.
Also starring Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth and Rakul Preet Singh in key roles, "Hindustani 2" will hit the screens on July 12.
The actor was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Hindustani 2: Zero Tolerance", in which he reprises the role of Senapathy, a freedom fighter turned vigilante who fought against corruption in India.
Titled "Indian 2: Zero Tolerance" in Tamil, the upcoming film is a sequel to Kamal's 1996 hit film "Indian", which featured him in a double role. Shankar returns to direct the second part of the franchise.
When asked if it is difficult to make films that question the government today, the actor said this problem has persisted since the British era.
"People were making movies even then. We will continue to make those kinds of movies, no matter who is at the top of the establishment. It's not just the filmmaker, it's the citizen's right to ask those questions.
"We, as artists, represent many of you. Thanks to the applause, we believe that we are your representatives, that is why we speak bravely, without thinking about the guillotine. Yes, there is a risk, the government can get angry, but your applause extinguishes that fire, so make it stronger," Kamal told reporters here.
The 69-year-old man stated that not only politicians, but also citizens are to blame for the corruption that plagues the country.
"We are all responsible for corruption and we must all change our minds. And the best time to change our minds is during elections. These are just reminders of how corrupt we have become... Nothing has changed because of corruption. Everything will change thanks to collective consciousness," he added.
The actor-filmmaker said that while he is a fan of Mahatma Gandhi, he does not subscribe to the ideology of tolerance. Kamal also directed and starred in the 2000 film "Hey Ram," which focused on Gandhi's assassination.
"I am a big admirer of Gandhi ji. They say he taught you tolerance: 'What do you think about tolerance?' I say I am not a big fan of this tolerance business. Gandhi ji is my hero but who do you tolerate, not a friend.
"I want friendship to grow in the world. What you tolerate is a headache. Anything that is a headache for society, you should have zero tolerance. Find a medicine, turn it off," he said.
Also starring Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth and Rakul Preet Singh in key roles, "Hindustani 2" will hit the screens on July 12.
