Felt bad that Ranbir and Alia couldn’t seek Mahakal’s blessings, Says Ayan Mukerji ahead of Brahmastra release

New Delhi, 7 September 2022: Amid the boycott calls for Brahmastra, Director Ayan Mukerji defended the film at the press conference In New Delhi.

Addressing the protests at Mahakal Temple by the Bajrang Dal shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Director Ayan Mukerji said, “I was feeling really bad. Honestly, Ranbir and Alia did not come with me for Darshan to the temple. I had gone to Mahakal before the motion poster was released and I had told myself that I would definitely go again before the release of the film and both of them were very keen to come with me.”

“I had gone to seek blessings and energy for the film and I just didn’t want to take Alia there because of her current condition. I felt really bad and honestly, when I went in, I felt they could have come and had their darshan,” Ayan said.

He also outlined that the tagline of the film ‘The Light is coming’ indicates that this film is about spreading positivity and happiness. ‘With this film, I just want to give the message to spread what the world truly needs, warmth and positivity,’ he added.

At the press conference, while also talking about their characters, Alia Bhatt said that she resonates with the adventurous quality of Isha. “The character has a child-like wonder, the ability to look at the world with a beautiful lens, and the will to help and be a part of something good. I want to cherish it and celebrate that.”

Simultaneously, Ranbir Kapoor said that his character was all about finding positivity in everything. “When you do that you will be a happy person and spread happiness in the world as well. The character also helped me understand a lot about the different philosophies of Lord Shiva,” said Kapoor.

Director Ayan Mukerji, emphasised that his basic idea was to create a cinematic spectacle that is unique to Indian cinema. “My two things were that we have to use modern technology to create a never seen before experience for the audience. We think we have succeeded in the effort to take technology to the next level in Indian cinema with brahmastra. I have also attempted to make a film that is inspired by the Indian culture and spirituality,” Mukherji added.

“Alia and Ranbir were like assistant directors to the film. They were coming everyday to the sets, even to the sound mixing to see how it was coming out. They were quite excited for the film,” Mukherji revealed.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh government has denied that there was any ban imposed in Ranbir or Alia’s visit to the temple.

“The protest is a different matter. There was no restriction on them to offer prayers (at the temple). Other persons accompanying the actor couple had offered prayers and all arrangements were in place,” MP Home minister Narrotam Mishra, who is also the state government’s spokesman, told reporters.

He said the local administration told him that Ranbir and Alia were requested to visit the temple “but it was their decision not to go there because of the protest”.