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In a dramatic turn of events, a high-profile special screening of Sanjay Dutt’s controversial political drama Aakhri Sawal is scheduled at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The prestige of a presidential showcase comes at a highly polarized moment for the project, which is currently facing severe geopolitical and legal roadblocks elsewhere.
Directed by National Award-winner Abhijeet Mohan Warang, Aakhri Sawal explores the complex 100-year history and socio-political journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The narrative, structured around an intense live television debate between a professor (played by Sanjay Dutt) and his student, handles sensitive subjects including historical bans and the Babri Masjid demolition.
While the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film in India with a UA 16+ rating, international markets have reacted sharply. The UAE censor board demanded multiple severe cuts and edits, primarily targeting its political themes. Refusing to alter their artistic vision, the producers withdrew the film entirely, resulting in an effective ban across all seven emirates. Concurrently, the film faces domestic friction through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against its theatrical release.
Despite a sluggish opening at the domestic box office—recovering slightly over the weekend to net ₹1.15 crore—the filmmakers are leveraging this Rashtrapati Bhavan screening to reframe the conversation. While the exact political guest list remains under wraps, the highly anticipated event is expected to significantly intensify the national discourse surrounding freedom of expression and India’s historical narratives.
