‘Sports and cinema unite India’
Anek bats for inclusivity
Looks like Ayushmann Khurrana intends to unify India through the cinematic experience. He calls his next release Anek a ‘true blue patriotic film’ that has a progressive message to Indians about the need to celebrate inclusivity and diversity. The film also marks the Bollywood debut of actress Andrea Kevichusa from Nagaland.
Ayushmann says, “I have always believed that sports and cinema have the power to unite India. They transcend identities and evoke the feeling of being one in that moment. I have seen how various sports bring people together in celebration and I have also witnessed how cinema can be the unifier of audiences.”
“When you go to watch a sport, you are united by the emotion of cheering and praying for India to win at the highest level. When you go to watch movies, what you care for is the experience you are going to have in a packed theatre The intent of Anek is just that,” he elaborates.
On references to Bollywood, Tollywood or Sandalwood and the pan-India phenomenon, he says everything should be about India.
“Anubhav Sinha Sir and I want people to ponder over the idea of being an Indian. We want people to feel that at the end of the day, we all want India on the right side of history and for India to come through, no matter what. I instantly loved the script of Anek. It gives out a progressive message about inclusivity — something that I have vehemently stood for through my brand of cinema,” says the Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui star.
Apart from Anek, the Shubh Mangal Saavdhan actor will also be seen in Anubhuti Kashyap’s film and Aanand L. Rai’s Action
Hero which is being directed by debutant Anirudh Iyer.