'Jai Gangaajal' is my way of protesting, says Prakash Jha

Panaji: 'Award Wapsi' is not his cup of tea, says filmmaker Prakash Jha, who claims his next movie ‘Jai Gangaajal’ is his way of raising his voice against the situation in the country.

Asked about the 'Award Wapsi' campaign, Jha told IANS: "It is their (other artistes') way to protest. But I will not return my awards ever. I have ten National Awards, but did you even hear my voice during the 'Award Wapsi' movement by filmmakers?"

A host of filmmakers, including Dibakar Banerjee and Anand Patwardhan, returned various government awards and honours, as a mark of protest against lack of freedom of speech and expression in the country.

Jha, who is known for framing the political and social environment of the country into his films ‘Satyagraha’, ‘Aarakshan’ and ‘Gangaajal’, said he turns to his camera to register his protest.

He said: “I have a different way of protesting. I have made 'Jai Gangaajal'. It will release on March 4 and the world will come to know.”

With Priyanka Chopra in the lead role of a female police officer, ‘Jai Gangaajal’ is a sequel of 2003 film ‘Gangaajal’. The film aims to examine the society-police relationship on the big screen. In fact, Jha will also be seen playing the role of a police officer in his directorial.