Controversial filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has launched a fresh salvo against the Hindi film industry, accusing it of deliberately ignoring and undermining the success of director Rohit Shetty's web series, 'The Indian Police Force'. According to Varma, the industry's silence stems from a feeling of being threatened by the show's popularity and its alignment with nationalist sentiments.
RGV's Explosive Allegations on Social Media
Varma took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to voice his strong opinions. He stated that the series, which stars Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Vivek Oberoi, is being given a cold shoulder by Bollywood insiders. "The Indian Police Force on Amazon Prime is being totally ignored by the film industry because it feels threatened by it," Varma declared in his post.
He elaborated that the industry's discomfort is not with the content's quality but with its pro-nationalism theme and its resounding success with the masses. Varma suggested that the traditional film fraternity is uneasy with content that celebrates national pride in a direct and mainstream manner, especially when it comes from a powerhouse commercial director like Rohit Shetty.
The Context: A Clash of Narratives?
'The Indian Police Force' marks Rohit Shetty's digital debut and is part of his popular cop universe, which includes franchises like 'Singham' and 'Simmba'. The series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 19, 2024, focuses on the bravery and challenges faced by Indian police officers.
RGV's comments hint at a deeper cultural divide. He implies that a section of the industry, often perceived as leaning towards liberal or contrarian narratives, is intentionally sidelining projects that embody straightforward patriotism. His claim is that the show's silent boycott is a reaction to its ideological stance rather than its cinematic merits.
Industry Reactions and the Silence
As of now, there has been no official public response from Rohit Shetty, the cast of the series, or major Bollywood bodies to Varma's allegations. The silence from the accused quarters somewhat ironically underscores his point about the industry 'ignoring' the project.
This is not the first time Ram Gopal Varma has criticized the film industry's groupthink. Known for his provocative statements, Varma often positions himself as an outsider willing to speak uncomfortable truths about Bollywood's politics and insecurities.
The core of his argument rests on three points:
- The series is a major digital release from a top commercial director.
- It has garnered significant viewership and public talk.
- Its patriotic theme allegedly makes certain industry circles uncomfortable.
Whether Varma's claims hold water or are merely a provocative stance is a matter of debate. However, his comments have successfully reignited conversations about groupism, ideological bias, and the unspoken rules of recognition within the glittering world of Bollywood. The episode highlights the ongoing tension between different schools of thought within Indian cinema and the power dynamics that influence what gets celebrated and what gets quietly overlooked.
