Why not China: KRK challenges Bollywood’s anti-Pakistan narrative as ‘Fighter’ sparks furore

In a three-minute-long trailer released by the filmmakers, the narrative seemed to revolve around the 2019 Pulwama attack, drawing criticism not only from Pakistani celebrities but also from KRK, who expressed dissatisfaction with the perpetuation of an anti-Pakistan sentiment.

In his latest YouTube video, KRK, often recognized for his candid movie reviews and opinions, dissected the trailer and highlighted what he perceived as problematic portrayals in the film. He criticized the film’s attempt to manipulate emotions in the name of patriotism, emphasizing that the audience is not easily swayed by such narratives.

One of KRK’s significant concerns was the recurring theme in Bollywood films, where Pakistan is consistently portrayed as the primary adversary. He questioned the narrow focus on Pakistan and suggested, “I fail to understand why only Pakistan is bombed in every film, why not try doing the same to China, because we have the same issues with China as well? So why only target Pakistan every time?”

KRK went on to express scepticism about the effectiveness of India’s defence budget and security measures if, as depicted in many films, a handful of officers can single-handedly destroy an entire nation. He humorously proposed, “Just send a Hrithik or Vidyut every six months to do the job.”

The actor-producer drew comparisons between Deepika Padukone’s character in Fighter and Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal in Tejas, predicting that the film might face a similar fate at the box office. He urged filmmakers to diversify their narratives and explore other geopolitical issues, questioning the repetitive choice of Pakistan as the go-to villain.

As Bollywood gears up for the release of Fighter on January 25, coinciding with Indian Republic Day, KRK’s critique encourages a broader reflection on the industry’s portrayal of geopolitical tensions and the need for diversification in storytelling.