EXCLUSIVE: Vivek Agnihotri confirms that he did not get an invite from Filmfare Awards; promises not to attend next year even if The Kashmir Files is nominated and he gets an invite: “I don’t go to such shitty places. I am doing much bigger things”

By Fenil Seta -

September 8, 2022 - 4:30 PM IST

Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files is the biggest success story from the film industry in recent times. Thanks to the subject and terrific word of mouth, it collected a huge Rs. 252.90 crores at the box office, shocking the trade pundits. And with September being the month when the Film Federation of India (FFI) picks a film for the Oscars, a section of netizens is hoping that The Kashmir Files gets selected.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively contacted Vivek Agnihotri to ask if he’s all set for the Oscar announcement. To which he said, “I don’t know. It’s upto the jury. They have to decide.”

But does he have a plan in place, if the film does get selected as India’s official entry? After all, a lot of work needs to be done on the part of the makers to ensure that their film makes it to the final list of nominations. However, Vivek replied, “Main toh sochta bhi nahi hoon. I am in Goa right now, writing the script of my next film. So honestly, I am not even bothered.”

A controversy erupted over this issue last month when filmmaker Anurag Kashyap stated that he hopes that The Kashmir Files is not selected as the Oscar entry. The other controversy that had a The Kashmir Files connection was when the Filmfare Awards were held, on August 30, and many remarked that none of the actors or crew members from the film was invited to the ceremony. Though Anupam Kher was seen at the event, the others were given a royal snub, as per the allegations.

We asked Vivek Agnihotri if he had been invited for the Filmfare Awards. To which, he said, “No, I didn’t get any invite. I am not Bollywood. Hence, why will they invite me?” He continued, “It’s a family party. They go and celebrate themselves. I don’t think any decent person from the Bollywood industry even attends this awards ceremony.”

The Kashmir Files is sure to be nominated in several categories next year. Hence, the Filmfare award organizers are sure to send him an invite. Will he attend? Vivek Agnihotri stated, “I won’t go. I don’t go to such shitty places. I am doing much bigger things. I am trying to ensure that Bollywood starts respecting directors and writers. So, you see, I am fighting a much bigger battle. As for these awards, it has become a fashion show, comprising star kids. Hence, I won’t attend and become a part of the same corrupt system.”

Vivek Agnihotri, meanwhile, is busy at the moment with the scripting of his next film, based on the success of India’s Covid-19 vaccination programme. He’ll also be making The Delhi Files. It is a much-awaited movie, especially after the craze generated by The Kashmir Files. Vivek revealed, “The Delhi Files will be released in 2024. I’ll begin work on it after completing my film on vaccines.”

When asked if his film on vaccination has a title, he replied, “I’ll announce the title soon. I am thinking about it. Maybe, I’ll ask people to give me a title.”

Lastly, Vivek Agnihotri expressed his happiness over the re-release of The Kashmir Files in several cities this week. The filmmaker had tweeted about it in response to a tweet made by a user. On this, Vivek said, “I didn't even know initially (about the re-release) and later I found out. The film has been released in some 6-7 cities. The cinema halls, on their own, have decided to play it.”

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap reveals RRR should be picked for Oscars and not The Kashmir Files; filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri reacts