The subjectivity of religion

The subjectivity of religion

Ankoosh Bhatt’s 3 Dev raises a basic question about faith and blind faith. The director has presented a funny side of our beliefs and supporting him are actors Kay Kay Menon, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Ravi Dubey, Priya Banerjee, Raima Sen, Tisca Chopra, Poonam Kaur, and Prasenjit Chatterjee among others.

During their recent visit to Sakal Times office, Karan, Kunal, Priya and producer Chintan Rana said that the film is funny, entertaining and can be watched by the entire family. Throwing more light on the subject, Kunaal says, “We need to ask enough questions to our leaders or those who give us religious guidance asking them where our belief lies. What we are being told is misplaced faith but what is important is humanity and our belief in each other. We have tried to tell all this in an educated and entertaining manner through the film.”

There are several reports about the film being on the same lines of Oh My God! and PK. But the star cast denies any such claims. “It’s a completely different film with a distinct story line,” says Priya, to which Karan adds, “It’s very different from those films in the way that we are really trying to differentiate between spirituality and religion. It will look at what is faith, why do you have it in the first place and how you still need to have faith in yourself.”

The leading men — Kunaal, Karan and Ravi play the roles of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma respectively. With people being over sensitive about religious sentiments, were they conscious while playing these characters? “I know what you are saying but it’s visible in the trailer that these three are average boys, who have come to this small city and are looking for a place to stay. But the people of that place assume that they are gods and they play along. The audience has to decide somewhere while watching the film whether god resides in them or not. The situations play out so beautifully that it was not needed for us to play those characters,” says Kunaal. 

He adds that the film will not hurt anyone’s sentiments because it’s been showed in a lighthearted way without disrespecting any gods or emotions. “It’s actually a fun film with a serious message,” says Priya.

Were there any kind of inhibitions before signing the film? Karan says not at all. “When Ankush narrated the script to me, I realised that it has been written in a brilliant way. The message comes across very subtly and it is more meaningful sometimes when you are not trying to preach. It’s therefore a tricky way to write and present,” says Karan, to which Kunaal adds, “I was never skeptical once I understood the message of the film. It was nice being part of the film.”

Ask them of their connection with god and Priya replies, “I am more spiritual than religious. I don’t like to follow what’s taught to us but I like to experience and question things.” 

Kunaal, who does not concern himself with either spirituality or religion, says, “There is enough in the real world to get fascinated with. I just like treating everything as a miracle — the fact that we exist is also a miracle. I am in awe with everything and I love my fascination for nature.” 

Karan on the other hand believes in the creator and how each one of us has a part of the creator in us. “Even though I am spiritual more than religious, I do follow religious practices at home. I do puja at home every day and I understand what it means along with its significances unlike many others,” says the Hate Story 3 actor. 

To this Kunaal adds, “All of this is also about what you personally connect with. Some ideas you connect with and some you discard. That’s the beauty of our culture because it gives you the choice of what you want to do.” 3 Dev releases on June 1.

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