"Your last movie failed."
Sidharth Malhotra has been trolled for announcing his upcoming film which many have labelled as being ‘anti-Pakistan’.
The Bollywood actor will star in spy thriller Mission Manju (2022) alongside Rashmika Mandanna.
According to filmmakers, the movie is based on the true events of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, one of the shortest wars in history.
The conflict occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War and changed the relationship between the three countries forever.
Malhotra announced the release date of Friday, May 13, 2o22 on Twitter, tagging some of those involved in creating the film.
Get ready to be a part of India’s greatest covert operation that derailed Pakistan’s illicit Nuclear Ambitions!
Inspired by real events, #MissionMajnu releasing on 13th May 2022 in a cinema near you??@iamRashmika @RonnieScrewvala @amarbutala @RSVPMovies @GBAMedia_Off pic.twitter.com/Hz6pCOL8W5— Sidharth Malhotra (@SidMalhotra) November 2, 2021
However, netizens, mostly from Pakistan, were not impressed and responded in their droves.
One person replied: “You are a damn good actor who does not need an anti-Pakistan movie to get success.
“Your last movie failed.
“Come on dude, work on a project that helps to bridge gaps and bring people closer, not create more hate.”
Another person commented: “I once called you good looking – ew. I take it back.”
One user wrote: “India can win over Pakistan on movies only.”
Many commented on Pakistan recently defeating India in the T20 World Cup.
Someone tweeted: “Get ready to be a part of Pakistan’s greatest overt operation that derailed India’s illicit ambitions!
“Inspired by real events.”
Pakistan' illicit nuclear ambition is here ? pic.twitter.com/B04qwNjPin
— Haris Rauf Lover's (@Harisrauf150) November 2, 2021
One person wrote: “Yeah Bollywood movies are the only source to portray India as a superpower.
“But in reality, you know what you are?
“So be happy by doing anything in movies what impossible in real for India!”
Other users took the opportunity to post memes.
Reel vs Real pic.twitter.com/G7ATbWry6d
— Lo Fer Punk (@Loferpunk93) November 2, 2021
This is not the first time that Bollywood has come under fire for creating a divide between the two countries.
Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021), which was also loosely based on the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, was also referred to as ‘Anti-Pakistan.’
Starring Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha, it followed an Indian Air Force leader reconstructing a damaged landing strip within 72 hours with the help of local women.
Many were even more outraged after legendary Pakistani singer Noor Jehan’s ‘Zaalima Coca Cola’ was remade and included in a trailer featuring Nora Fatehi, although it was credited.
Netizens were quick to point out that this has now happened more than once.
One user tweeted: “Yeah, make movies against Pakistan, call it ‘based on real events’ and earn lot of money.”
Sidharth Malhotra, who last appeared in Shershaah (2021), is currently working on a number of other upcoming movies including Aankhen 2 with Amitabh Bachchan.