Mumbai, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has acknowledged the growing influence of social media reviews on films, saying that while online reactions can sometimes be disturbing, filmmakers have little choice but to adapt to the changing digital landscape.
Speaking exclusively to IANS in the context of his latest release Batwara 1947, Santoshi said social media has emerged as a major force in the publicity and marketing of films.
“They have become a major player, social media. They will do their job. Sometimes it can be very disturbing also, but one also has to get used to it. There is no other way, we have to exist with them only. They play a very big role in publicity and marketing,” he said.
Batwara 1947, which released in cinemas on August 14, has been appreciated for its emotional narrative and performances by its principal cast.
Mufti Manzur, Chairman of the Islamic Council, also shared a video on social media praising the film and its message of love and humanity. He commended Santoshi for portraying a mother’s love with sensitivity and for presenting a message of love amid hatred.
He also praised the performances of the film’s principal cast, including Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and Abhimanyu Singh.
Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, the period drama has been directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Santoshi. Its music has been composed by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
The film is reportedly inspired by Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai, whose title is based on a popular Punjabi expression suggesting that visiting Lahore is fundamental to one’s experience of life.
FOLLOW NOW
