Dismissing a claim by Jamat-ud-Dawah chief and Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed that “Phantom” was a “filthy propaganda” against Pakistan, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan said here on Tuesday that the to-be released film was based on facts and “everybody knows as to who was responsible for the 26/11 attacks.”Reacting to a petition filed through his lawyer by Saeed before a lahore court seeking a ban on “Phantom”, a film starring him that is slated for release on August 28, on the ground that it was a “filthy propaganda” against Pakistan, Saif said: “The film is based on facts and everybody knows what happened during 26/11 attacks and everybody knows who is responsible for the same.”
“We all know that terrorists are hiding in Pakistan, so why shouldn’t we accept itIJ Why should we just make films on fictitious eventsIJ We know what the reality is. Is this a secretIJ Why can’t we say this in openIJ Aren’t there people who are dead for India but residing in Pakistan, you all know that rightIJ” Saif asked.
Ridiculing Saeed for his audacity to go to court, Saif said tongue in cheek: “If a wanted terrorist can go to the court of law in any country, I feel it’s ridiculous. This is a sign of a really great nation that they entertain complaint by a terrorist.” “Phantom”, which is an adaptation of Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mumbai Avengers” on 26/11 attacks and global terrorism, has been directed by Kabir Khan.
“Nobody is against Pakistan or their religion, but this is a different subject and Kabir has treated it in a nice way. I feel that the people should see the film before passing judgement...The film is half-fiction and half-fact. I am very proud of the film,” Saif said.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Salman Khan came out in support of Kabir Khan’s “Phantom” saying that the “Ek Tha Tiger” director would never make a “wrong” film.
Talking to mediapersons here, Salman said: “I haven’t seen that film so it will be unfair for me to comment on it. I don’t think Kabir Khan will ever make a wrong film. He is a very correct person and won’t make a wrong film”.