Adah Sharma Champions Bold Stand in Bastar: Empowering Voices Against Naxalism

Adah Sharma takes on the role of Neeraj Mathur, a determined and strong-willed police officer.

In the upcoming film “Bastar: The Naxal Story,” Adah Sharma takes on the role of Neeraj Mathur, a determined and strong-willed police officer. The movie is set to hit screens on March 15, stirring anticipation among audiences. However, even before its release, the film found itself embroiled in controversy due to a remark made by Adah Sharma in the teaser.

In a scene from the teaser, Sharma’s character calls for the public execution of what she terms as ‘left-leaning pseudo intellectuals’ who support Naxals. She specifically mentions Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), alleging that students there celebrated the killing of CRPF officers by Naxals in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. This portrayal sparked outrage among certain sections of JNU students, leading to protests and demands for action against the film’s makers and cast.

Adah Sharma, however, has chosen to address the controversy head-on. In an interview with News18, she defended her portrayal, stating that her character’s words were a reflection of frustration and determination to address the violence witnessed against CRPF officers. Sharma emphasized her commitment to portraying Neeraj Mathur as a strong and fearless character, staying true to her role.

Regarding the criticism, Sharma urged viewers to reserve judgment until they had the opportunity to watch the film in its entirety. She emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and choices, acknowledging that audiences have the freedom to choose whether or not to watch the film and express their views accordingly.

This isn’t the first time Adah Sharma and the film’s director, Sudipto Sen, have found themselves embroiled in controversy. Their previous collaboration, “The Kerala Story,” also faced backlash over its portrayal of sensitive issues. The film’s trailer initially claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had joined ISIS, sparking widespread condemnation. While the contentious figure was later removed and the storyline revised, the controversy lingered, highlighting the challenges of navigating sensitive subjects in filmmaking.

Despite the controversies surrounding their projects, Adah Sharma and Sudipto Sen remain undeterred in their commitment to storytelling. “Bastar: The Naxal Story” promises to delve into the complexities of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, shedding light on real-life incidents and exploring the intricacies of the conflict.

As the film prepares for its release, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to its portrayal of sensitive issues and whether it will spark further debate and discussion. Regardless of the controversies, one thing is clear: Adah Sharma and the team behind “Bastar: The Naxal Story” are unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and challenge conventional narratives, paving the way for thought-provoking cinema in the process.

In the midst of the controversy surrounding “Bastar: The Naxal Story,” Adah Sharma stands firm in her defense of the film’s narrative. She asserts that her portrayal of Neeraj Mathur, the tough and resolute police officer, is intended to convey a sense of strength and conviction. Through her character, Sharma aims to authentically depict the frustrations and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in conflict-ridden regions like Bastar.

The controversy erupted when the teaser for the film depicted Sharma’s character calling for the public execution of individuals she labels as ‘left-leaning pseudo intellectuals’ who purportedly support Naxal insurgents. The specific mention of JNU as a place where the alleged celebration of CRPF officers’ killings occurred sparked outrage among certain segments of the student body.

Sharma remains steadfast in her portrayal, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the character and the context of the narrative. She explains that the character’s impassioned statements are rooted in the traumatic experiences witnessed, including the brutal killings of CRPF officers. Through her role, Sharma seeks to highlight the complex realities faced by law enforcement personnel tasked with combating insurgency and violence in regions like Bastar.

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