In a recent press conference held at PVR Plaza in New Delhi, producer Devendra Malviya and lead actor Samar Jaisingh addressed the media to promote their upcoming film, ‘2020 Delhi.’
The film has already stirred significant controversy ahead of its release, particularly after news broke that Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the Delhi riots, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking to halt the film’s release.
Responding to the legal challenge, producer Devendra Malviya expressed his confusion over the objections raised by Imam and advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, stating, “I do not understand why they are upset without having seen the film.”
He emphasized that they have yet to receive any official communication from the court regarding the petition. “We respect the law and are committed to releasing the film on the scheduled date, while adhering to legal guidelines,” he added.
Samar Jaisingh, an experienced actor in the film and television industry, shared insights about the unique challenges of working on a single-shot film. He explained that this filming technique does not allow for retakes, which required all actors to deliver their performances flawlessly in one go.
“This was a completely new experience for me and the entire cast. We all worked incredibly hard,” he noted. Jaisingh expressed surprise that the film has faced such backlash despite not being screened yet, particularly after a three-minute trailer was released on January 24.
He criticized Singhvi’s comments labeling the film as a threat to national unity, arguing that such statements undermine the hard work of everyone involved in the project.
The actor lamented the recent legal developments, stating, “It is disheartening for the filmmakers and all of us that an accused in the Delhi riots is trying to stop the film’s release. However, we believe that truth prevails, and we are confident that the film will reach the audience.”
Devendra Malviya, who has dedicated four years to this project, shared the emotional toll of creating a film that depicts the tragic events of the Delhi riots on February 24, 2020, which resulted in the loss of 53 innocent lives.
He described the challenges of capturing the harrowing scenes of violence and destruction using the single-shot technique, calling it a “tremendous challenge” for the entire team. “This film is a testament to the fact that if you are determined to achieve your goals, no one can stop you,” he asserted.
Malviya also highlighted the film’s focus on the plight of Hindu minorities in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as the struggles faced by displaced Hindus within India.
He emphasized that the film is based on thorough research, showcasing the harsh realities of incidents involving the persecution of Hindu girls in these regions.
The film ‘2020 Delhi’ features a talented ensemble cast, including well-known actors such as Brijendra Kala, Siddharth Bhardwaj, Bhupesh Singh, Chetan Sharma, and Akash Arora, alongside Jaisingh. Malviya, who began his career as an actor in Mumbai, has transitioned into a producer and director, aiming to carve out his own identity in the Hindi film industry.
As the release date approaches, the filmmakers remain resolute in their commitment to share their story with the audience, despite the challenges they face. The controversy surrounding ‘2020 Delhi’ has only intensified interest in the film, which aims to shed light on a significant and painful chapter in recent Indian history.
