Rohit Shetty Responds to Accusations of Police Brutality in His Films
Renowned Bollywood director Rohit Shetty, known for his high-octane action films centred around police characters, recently addressed accusations that his movies encourage police brutality. In response, Shetty emphasised his commitment to realism and defended the portrayal of law enforcement in his films.
In an interview with Film Companion, Rohit Shetty defended his cinematic approach, stating, “Obviously, I am against killing innocent people, and I am against them taking the law into their own hands. But if someone is shooting at you, you won’t be welcoming them with open arms, would you?”
Shetty emphasised the need for a nuanced perspective, particularly when dealing with characters involved in criminal activities. He argued that his films portray a heightened reality where law enforcement must confront serious threats, emphasising the importance of creating a sense of fear in society to deter criminal behaviour.
The director expressed his resilience against online criticism, stating, “Darr hona zaruri hai in society (You need to create fear in society). I firmly believe in this, and it is fine if I am mocked for expressing so. I understand exactly what I’m saying in my mind. When you deal with those types of people, you have a completely different mindset.”
Rohit Shetty’s response comes amid a broader conversation about the responsibility of filmmakers in depicting law enforcement and the potential influence on public perception. His cop universe, featuring iconic characters like Singham, has been both celebrated for its entertaining action sequences and criticised for its portrayal of vigilantism.
The filmmaker remains unperturbed by online criticism, standing by his conviction that his films are a reflection of a different reality, where the on-screen heroes confront extreme situations. Rohit’s cop universe, including the highly anticipated “Indian Police Force” web series, is set to bring forth entertainment with outstanding visuals and a patriotic theme. The series, featuring Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi, is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video India on January 19, promising a blend of entertainment and patriotism as it pays homage to the country’s police force.
In addition to the web series, Rohit Shetty is gearing up for the release of “Singham Again,” the third instalment in the Singham franchise. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Tiger Shroff. While the official release date is yet to be announced, the film has generated significant anticipation among fans.
