17 August,2026 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Hema Malini and Sunny Deol (Pics/Instagram)
Veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini is full of praise for Sunny Deol's recently released period drama Batwara 1947. On Monday, the 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood took to her official handle on X and reviewed the film, applauding the brilliant message given by the makers that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony should always be given priority over hatred. Hema further expressed her wish that the movie motivates people to be kinder towards one another.
She tweeted, "I watched the movie 'Batwara' yday. Simply brilliant with a clear message that conveys what the nation needs today. It reminds us that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony are far more important than hatred and division. I hope this beautiful message inspires people to change their mindset and choose kindness over hate. (sic)."
Hema also lauded Sunny's performance in Batwara 1947, along with other cast members, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, and Preity Zinta. Extending her wishes to director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan, she added, "Brilliant direction by Rajkumar Santoshi with outstanding performances by Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi. Also in the cast with good performances were Karan Deol and Preity Zinta. Congratulations to Aamir Khan for producing a timeless film with a message that is truly the need of the hour."
The movie also has Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput, and Isha Sandhir in significant roles, along with others.
This praise for stepson Sunny Deol comes months after Hema Malini dismissed the rumours of a rift between the families after his death. She had said in an interview with HT City, "Be it these bachchas (Esha, Ahana) or those bachchas (Sunny, Bobby), they were all very fond of Dharamji. They are very fond of each other. There is no negativity at all between the family."
The film is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India. Released on August 14 during the Independence Day weekend, the movie opened to mixed reviews from critics and the audience. The film clashed with Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 and earned Rs 5.75 crore nett in India. On the other hand, Awarapan 2 set a new record for Emraan Hashmi by earning over Rs 21 crore nett on its release day.
