Raima Sen reacts to The Vaccine War being called a ‘propaganda film’, says she keeps her politics and art separate

The actor added that while she was doing Bengali films and web shows, there were even Hindi films she shot, which never saw the light of day. “Because people didn’t see me in cinemas doesn’t mean I went somewhere else. I have always been around so there’s no question of a comeback. These are tags that people like giving others. I am amused but not bothered by it.”

 

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Raima Sen on her journey with The Vaccine War

In a recent conversation, director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri opened up about how Raima Sen was not the first choice to play the powerful journalist in the film. They had already shot with another actor when they felt they needed a more mature actor for the part. And while on a trip to Kolkata, he met the actor and got her onboard. When asked how she got convinced, Raima said that she got the script and brief from the director, before she flew down to Mumbai. Vivek even offered her to watch the film and told her who and why she was replacing someone.

“He gave me the liberty to choose. And when I read the script, I realised I was part of this film which will go in history. It’s a film about India’s success and triumphs, about women and scientists. My character may not be shown in a positive light but the film was. And I was ready to take that risk,” she shared. When asked if the idea of replacing another actor was uncomfortable for her, Raima replied, “Not at all. I think in this cutthroat industry, it happens all the time. I have been replaced so many times and it keeps happening. It recently also happened in my Bengali film. So I have stopped getting emotionally attached to any role.”

Talking about her role, the actor said that while she is being termed as the ‘villain’, her character has her own reasons to do what she is doing. “She is a journalist who has done her own research. She believes in facts that she has. It’s others’ perception that she may look like a villain,” Raima Sen said. The 43-year-old added that even with negative characters if it’s etched well by filmmakers, people will take notice. “I did play a negative part in Mai, but that was very different. Given that I have a ‘good girl’ image, it’s very interesting to play these parts. It challenges you as an actor. Also, when audiences hate the villain, you know you have done a great job.”

 

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The makers have assured that The Vaccine War is inspired by real people and incidents. The lead character played by Nana Patekar is based on Former ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava. When asked if her character too has been inspired by a journalist, the actor smiled to say, “I am sure it is but only Vivek knows about it. However, I must add that if not a person, it definitely represents the section of people who felt this way. Vivek has done a lot of groundwork and he definitely has a reference point for all the characters.”

As for preparing for the role, Raima Sen said that she did watch videos of news anchors and debates that happened during the pandemic. “However, I did not want to be clouded by something or someone else. I watched it to just see what they are like at work. How they reported the events amid so much fear. Rest, I just sat with Vivek and Pallavi, who really helped me shape the character. I believe that a director is the captain of the ship, and always want to rely on their vision. That’s the only way you can do justice to what they want. You cannot be dependent on external sources or imitate anyone.”

 

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On criticisms surrounding the film

After the trailer of The Vaccine War dropped, many have called it ‘jingoistic’. Also many feel that it’s on the same lines of ‘propaganda’ as Vivek’s last film The Kashmir Files. However, Raima Sen is unbothered about these tags as she said, “As an actor, it really doesn’t matter to me. What is important is how my character is shaped. Whether it will get me anything and would lead to something? Of course, there are times when you do a film for a friend. But at this point in my career, I will do work that’s beneficial to me. I pick work selfishly. Honestly, it’s the perception of people, whether they call it jingoistic or propaganda or troll it, I really don’t care.”

And is she fine collaborating with someone whose politics or beliefs don’t match with hers? “See you cannot control anyone or you cannot make the world think like you do. I accept them for their differences and their beliefs. I really do not have a problem,” Raima said. She went on to add that she feels it’s stupid how people are already saying negative things about the film even when they have not watched it. She said, “Everyone has worked hard on this film, and people should give it a chance. Once they have watched it, I would heartily accept their opinions and criticisms.”

Her director Vivek Agnihotri and co-actor Pallavi Joshi are also the producers of the film. When asked if that changed the vibe on set given they must be also worried about the logistics and finances, Raima Sen replied, “Not at all. Not just them, but their son was also assisting his father. They are such nice people. Pallavi also has a great sense of humour and their son is so polite. They were this small happy family working together.”

Also starring Nana Patekar, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, Nivedita Bhattacharya and Girija Oak, The Vaccine War will hit cinema halls on September 28.