Shabana Azmi has spoken about the disappointing box-office performance of Batwara 1947, suggesting that audiences may have struggled to accept Sunny Deol as an Indian Muslim character. Released on August 14, the film has earned Rs 53.96 crore so far, while Emraan Hashmi-starrer Awarapan 2 has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark.

Shabana Azmi reacts to Batwara 1947 failing at box office

The 75-year-old actor said she was surprised by the contrast between the praise she has heard for the film and its theatrical performance. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan, Batwara 1947 reunited Santoshi and Deol after Ghatak and Gadar. It also marked Preity Zinta’s return to the big screen after an eight-year gap.