The film *Bantwara 1947*, starring Sunny Deol, has received a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. Released alongside Emraan Hashmi's *Awarapan 2*, it failed to match the latter's box-office performance. Shabana Azmi played a pivotal role in both films. While the veteran actress is pleased with the success of *Awarapan 2*, she is disappointed by the performance of *Bantwara 1947*. Amidst this, Shabana Azmi raised a question: why did audiences find it difficult to accept Sunny Deol in a Muslim role?

What did Shabana say about *Bantwara 1947*?
Speaking to Zoom, Shabana said...
"I am very surprised by the poor box-office performance of *Bantwara 1947*.
I am surrounded by people who come and tell me they liked the film and its message.
On the other hand, people didn't go to the theaters. Even those who did gave a mixed response."

Shabana Azmi raises a question.
She added, "Why can't you see Sunny Deol as a Muslim? There was a film like *Coolie* where Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim character with great ease. He would wear the '786' badge, and it was completely accepted. Now, what are we to make of this? Is an atmosphere being created here where such discrimination is happening deliberately?"
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Shabana offers clarification
Finally, Shabana said, "The India-Pakistan issue has now become a subject that cannot be touched in Hindi cinema. It is very disappointing because here is a film that is not politically incorrect in any way. You cannot find any political fault with it. Sunny has done a great job in it. Especially in the scenes with me—the emotional scenes—I truly believed that he cared for this old woman." 'It is disappointing, yet paradoxical. So, why are people praising it?'

'Bantwara 1947' Box Office Collection
'Bantwara 1947' was released alongside the film 'Awarapan 2'.
'Bantwara 1947' earned ₹5.75 crore on its opening day.
It earned ₹33.60 crore in its first week.
Its total collection stands at ₹37.70 crore.
In contrast, the total collection of 'Awarapan 2' is ₹145.45 crore.

Details about 'Bantwara 1947'
'Bantwara 1947' is set against the backdrop of the Partition. The film is inspired by the Urdu play 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai'. The cast includes Preity Zinta, Karan Deol, and Kanika Kapoor. It is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. The film was released on August 14.

Which roles were played in the films?
It is worth noting that Shabana Azmi played a significant role in both films. In 'Awarapan 2', the actress portrayed a don, whereas in 'Bantwara 1947', she played the role of an elderly woman.

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