Vikrant Massey is currently making news as he announced his retirement. It surprised many of his fans and they are seen commenting on his Instagram post to take a second thought as it would be too early for an actor to announce his retirement at the age of 37 years. Interestingly, the actor has been found himself at the center of public debate following a series of remarks made during the promotional campaign for his upcoming film, The Sabarmati Report. The drama-thriller, set in the aftermath of the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, has sparked discussions on socio-political themes and Massey’s evolving political views. He was seen giving a bold interview sounding too much like an actor with a right wing ideology inclination. Many of his statements in his interview after the release or the promotion of the above statement. The man who worked with the film Chhappak with Deepika Padukone which was boycotted a lot for her visit at the JNU after the student was attacked in the campus. In a sense, we could now sense the transition of the actor as a Right Wing Icon.
Massey and his Controversial Statements on Historical Events
During promotional interviews, Massey referred to the Godhra incident as “our 9/11,” likening its impact on India’s socio-political fabric to the September 11 attacks in the United States. This statement alone drew comparisons and sparked heated debates.In a podcast with journalist Sushant Sinha, Massey made another polarizing remark, stating, “We got so-called independence in 1947,” which he described as a “colonial hangover.” He also claimed that Hindus are now finding a space to assert their identity in their own country. Ironically, he is an actor who comes from a diverse background and acting journey. Born in Mumbai to a family with a blend of religious beliefs—his mother a Sikh, his father a churchgoing Christian, and his brother a convert to Islam—Massey grew up in a multicultural household. He started acting at the age of seven, transitioning from television to films with his debut in Lootera (2013). Massey gained recognition for his roles in films like A Death in the Gunj (2017), Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), and Haseen Dillruba (2021). His recent sleeper hit, 12th Fail (2023), further cemented his position in the industry.
Past Controversies and Political Stance
Massey has long been vocal about his political views. In 2018, he posted a controversial cartoon criticizing the BJP and referencing high-profile rape cases. Though he later apologized for the post, it resurfaced after his rise to fame, reigniting criticism. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Massey described his political journey, acknowledging the rise of right-wing ideologies while lamenting the decline of leftist ideologies. He emphasized his centrist stance, rejecting extremist views on both ends of the spectrum. Massey’s remarks during The Sabarmati Report promotions have drawn criticism, with some accusing him of disrespecting India’s freedom fighters. His statements were likened to Kangana Ranaut’s controversial claim that India gained real independence in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Political commentator Abhishek Banerjee speculated that Massey’s shift in tone may be a strategic move to drum up attention for the film, particularly given the commercial failure of similar-themed movies like Ranvir Shorey’s Godhra.
The Retirement Announcement
Vikrant Massey’s announcement to take a break from acting has sparked an interesting debate. For a long time, he has been regarded as an actor with a liberal ideology. However, his decision to collaborate with Ekta Kapoor—a producer often associated with right-wing leaders like Smriti Irani—left many bewildered, especially those who viewed him as a left-leaning icon. His bold statements, such as claiming that Ekta Kapoor could never assign him a superficial role, raised eyebrows. How did the controversial filmmaker, known for her closeness to right-wing camps, suddenly become a trustworthy collaborator for Massey?
The recent failure of his film at the box office, despite being appreciated by prominent figures like the Home Minister and Prime Minister, appears to have prompted him to introspect on his career choices. Was it his conscience that led him to pause and rethink his journey as an actor, potentially steering away from becoming a right-wing symbol? Or is this break an attempt to reinvent himself as an actor, reclaiming the liberal credibility he may have lost within the industry?
These are questions worth pondering. While the exact reasons for his decision remain unclear, the timing of his announcement has raised many eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike. Regardless of the motivation, stepping away from acting at the peak of his career adds another layer of intrigue to this story. Let’s wait and watch how this unfolds.
Final Thoughts
Despite the controversies, Massey remains firm in his stance as a self-proclaimed secular and liberal individual. He believes that neither Hindus nor Muslims are “in danger” and asserts that India is still the best country in the world. Following the release of The Sabarmati Report, Massey’s remarks have continued to fuel debates, with audiences divided over whether his words reflect genuine beliefs or calculated publicity.However, the film’s failure to impress audiences and its lackluster box office performance seem to have prompted him to take a break and reflect. Whether this decision stems from the pressure to reinvent himself as an actor aligned with his past ideology or guilt over choosing the wrong film and promoting it with a communal angle remains to be seen. Having said that, Massey is undoubtedly a talented actor who has had the courage to call a spade a spade. Let’s wait and watch how his journey unfolds!
(Mohd Ziyauallah Khan is a freelance content writer & editor based in Nagpur. He is also an activist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of the group TruthScape, a team of digital activists fighting disinformation on social media.)
