Suhasini Mulay says 'Ikkis' was trolled for showing Pakistanis as 'humans,' not 'demons'; addresses violence in movies

Veteran actor and filmmaker Suhasini Mulay, who recently featured in Sriram Raghavan's 'Ikkis', talked about how the movie was trolled. The film is based on the life of Paramvir Chakra honoree (posthumously) Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. She also opened up about how trolling has become a common thing in the current society. Let's learn more about it.

Suhasini Mulay addresses criticism over Pakistan portrayal in 'Ikkis'

During a conversation with journalists at the Gauhati Press Club on Sunday, Suhasini Mulay expressed that the Arun Khetarpal biopic didn't showcase Pakistanis as "ghosts" and "demons" and projected them as "humans." She added, "However, I was told by the scriptwriter that they were being trolled by the people. If you are in this society in this era, then you will be trolled. So, you don't make such films. You make 'The Kashmir Files', you will get your entertainment tax waived," she added.

Suhasini Mulay feels a movie should have an effect on the audience

Suhasini Mulay then opened up about how a movie should make people think after leaving the theaters, apart from being well made. She said, "Firstly, a film is effective if it is not boring. People make well-intentioned films, but it is important to have well-made films."

She further mentioned that the director's message should reach the audience through the movie. The veteran actress added, "And lastly, it should make you think. I think these three are the criteria for an effective as well as good film."

Suhasini Mulay on violence in movies

During the conversation, the veteran actress-filmmaker also shared that the political cinema currently is "ideologically right-wing and religious dominance is the norm." She added, "There has been an incredible projection of violence, which we never saw earlier. And it is both mental and physical."

Meanwhile, in 'Ikkis', Suhasini Mulay played the role of Maheshwari Khetarpal, mother of Arun Kheterpal (played by Agastya Nanda).

The movie was released in theaters on January 1, 2026. However, it failed to score good at the box office.