
Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta were in Lucknow on Friday, meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as part of the promotional drive for their upcoming film, Batwara 1947. The meeting took place at the CM's official residence, where the trio was seen interacting briefly.
The actors, who have been touring cities ahead of the film's release, chose Lucknow as a key stop. The film, set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, has generated considerable buzz, and the actors are leaving no stone unturned to reach audiences across the heartland.
Earlier in the day, Deol and Zinta were spotted riding a tonga through the streets of Lucknow, a visual that quickly went viral on social media. The traditional horse-drawn carriage, synonymous with the city's old-world charm, seemed a fitting choice for a film rooted in pre-independence India.
Onlookers gathered as the actors waved to crowds, with Zinta dressed in a vibrant ensemble and Deol in a casual kurta. The promotional stunt appeared designed to strike a nostalgic chord, aligning with the film's period setting.
The meeting with Adityanath has drawn attention, given the film's historical theme and the BJP government's emphasis on nationalist narratives. While neither the actors nor the CM's office issued an official statement, sources indicate the discussion was cordial and centred on the film's cultural significance.
Deol, known for his action-hero image, has recently been vocal about patriotic themes in his projects. Zinta, returning to the big screen after a hiatus, has been actively engaging with fans during the promotional tour. The Lucknow leg appears to be a strategic move to tap into the Hindi heartland's audience, a demographic that has shown strong support for such films.
Batwara 1947 is slated to hit theatres soon, and the team is expected to continue promotional activities in other cities. Trade analysts are watching the film's box-office prospects closely, given the star power and the subject's relevance in contemporary discourse.
As the release date nears, audiences can expect more glimpses of the film's trailer and music, with the cast likely to appear on television and digital platforms. Whether the political endorsement translates into footfalls remains to be seen, but the buzz in Lucknow suggests the film is off to a strong promotional start.