Rarely has a mainstream Hindi film focused on the civil and political issues of north-east India. It is not surprising that it took filmmaker Anubhav Sinha and actor Ayushmann Khurrana, two of the braver voices in Hindi cinema currently, to highlight the otherisation of north-east Indians. The actor says the script of Anek resonated with him for its honest intent.

“Anubhav sir and I want people to ponder over the idea of being an Indian. We want people to feel that at the end of the day, we all want India on the right side of history. Anek is a true blue patriotic film. It gives out a progressive message about inclusivity — something that I have stood for through my brand of cinema,” shares Khurrana.

That cinema can be a means to effect social change cannot be denied. Khurrana has seen it first-hand, as his Article 15 (2019) underlined the ills of caste divide and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020) celebrated queer love. He hopes that Anek will be able to foster unity through its theme of inclusivity.

“I believe sports and cinema have the power to unite India. When you watch a sport, you are united by the emotion of cheering and praying for India’s victory. When you go to watch movies, you [have] a shared experience in a theatre full of strangers. The intent of Anek is [to unite viewers].”