Randeep Hooda 2.0 : Defending Savarkar and Godse, Critiquing Gandhi, and the Alignment with BJP’s Hindu Nationalist Agenda

Randeep Hooda’s recent activities, particularly his film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and his public statements, have drawn significant attention for their perceived alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s Hindu nationalist agenda. This analysis explores his support for Veer Savarkar and Nathuram Godse, his critique of Mahatma Gandhi, and the implications of these actions in the context of Indian politics as of April 16, 2025.

Historical Context

To understand Hooda’s stance, it is essential to contextualize the figures involved:

• Veer Savarkar: A key figure in Hindu nationalism, Savarkar advocated for Hindutva and was involved in armed resistance against British rule. However, his mercy petitions to the British during imprisonment and his exclusionary views have been controversial. The BJP has often promoted him as a national hero, contrasting with the Congress party’s historical narrative.
• Nathuram Godse: Gandhi’s assassin, Godse believed Gandhi’s policies favored Muslims and led to India’s partition. His act is widely condemned, but some Hindu nationalist groups have attempted to rehabilitate his image, which remains highly sensitive.
• Mahatma Gandhi: A global icon of non-violence, Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, by Godse is a defining moment in Indian history, symbolizing the rejection of violence in the independence movement

Randeep Hooda’s Actions and Statements

Hooda’s involvement with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, released on March 22, 2024, marks his directorial debut, where he also starred as Savarkar. The film has been criticized for its one-sided portrayal, glorifying Savarkar while subtly critiquing Gandhi. Recent statements, particularly from an interview during the promotion of his film Jaat on April 13, 2025, provide insight into his views:

• On Savarkar: Hooda has claimed that Savarkar’s “good qualities were hidden” and that he was defamed because he opposed the Congress party (TV9 Hindi: Randeep Hooda’s statements on Savarkar, Godse, and Gandhi). He argued that Savarkar was not involved in Gandhi’s assassination and that linking him to it was a political maneuver to shift the narrative to “Hindus killed Gandhi.” He also noted that initial Home Ministry orders required evidence for Savarkar’s arrest, but he was arrested due to his history, with no proof found in court.
• On Godse: Hooda referred to Godse as “Godse Ji” and stated, “After death, everyone becomes a mahatma. What’s wrong with giving respect? He was also a human” (TV9 Hindi: Randeep Hooda’s statements on Savarkar, Godse, and Gandhi). This humanization has been interpreted as sympathizing with Godse, which is controversial given Godse’s role in Gandhi’s assassination.
• On Gandhi: While not directly attacking Gandhi, Hooda’s defense of Savarkar and Godse indirectly critiques Gandhi’s legacy. He suggested that the narrative around Gandhi’s assassination was manipulated for political gain, challenging the established historical consensus.

The film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar also delves into the partition, the Naval Mutiny, and Gandhi’s assassination, concluding with Savarkar imprisoned in 1950 due to concerns over a potential bomb blast (Wikipedia: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (film)). Reviews, such as those from The Hindu, note that the film attempts to uplift Savarkar by vilifying Gandhi, with a near-worshipful tone toward Savarkar (The Hindu: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar movie review).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUH0sMudtKU

Political Alignment and Controversy

Hooda’s actions have been seen as aligning with the BJP’s agenda, particularly given the timing of the film’s release ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has historically promoted Savarkar as a national hero and has been accused of downplaying Gandhi’s role in the independence movement. While Hooda has not explicitly joined the BJP, his statements and film suggest indirect support:

• Rumors in March 2024 suggested Hooda might contest Lok Sabha polls as a BJP candidate from Rohtak, Haryana, but he clarified it was “not the right time,” emphasizing his focus on acting and directing (The Indian Express: Randeep Hooda: ‘Not the right time to jump into politics, and leave my movie career’).
• Critics, including reviewers from The Quint and The Indian Express, have accused the film of being propaganda, with a reductive and one-sided narrative that aligns with Hindu nationalist sentiments (The Quint: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Review, The Indian Express: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar movie review).

Hooda’s defense of Savarkar and humanization of Godse have sparked backlash, with social media users and critics accusing him of revisionist history. For instance, an X post highlighted Hooda’s claim that Savarkar inspired Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, leading to trolling for allegedly ignoring Savarkar’s controversial actions like writing mercy petitions (IndiaTimes: Randeep Hooda Trolled For Claiming Veer Savarkar Inspired Subhash Chandra Bose And Bhagat Singh).

Detailed Critique

1. Support for Savarkar: Hooda’s portrayal aligns with the BJP’s efforts to elevate Hindu nationalist figures. By defending Savarkar and ignoring his controversial actions, such as mercy petitions, Hooda contributes to a narrative that seeks to rewrite history in favor of Hindutva ideology. This is evident in the film’s focus on Savarkar’s armed resistance while downplaying his contradictions, as noted in reviews (Hindustan Times: Why no one is garlanding Randeep Hooda for his take on Savarkar).
2. Sympathy for Godse: Hooda’s statement about Godse being “also a human” risks normalizing Gandhi’s assassination, a sensitive issue. This aligns with some Hindu nationalist narratives that seek to rehabilitate Godse, though Hooda clarifies Savarkar had no involvement, suggesting a nuanced but controversial stance (TV9 Hindi: Randeep Hooda’s statements on Savarkar, Godse, and Gandhi).
3. Critique of Gandhi: Hooda’s indirect critique, through defending Savarkar and Godse, challenges Gandhi’s legacy. By suggesting the “Hindus killed Gandhi” narrative was political PR, he engages in revisionist history, which aligns with BJP efforts to reinterpret history (The Hindu: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar movie review).

Table: Summary of Hooda’s Statements and Implications

Political Implications and Public Perception

Hooda’s platform as a celebrity amplifies his influence, potentially shaping public opinion on these historical figures. Critics argue he is using his influence to push a BJP-aligned agenda, especially given the film’s timing and content. Supporters might see it as presenting a nuanced view, but the controversy highlights tensions around historical narratives in Indian politics. His statements during Jaat’s promotion on April 13, 2025, further fuel this debate, with some seeing them as tone-deaf to Gandhi’s legacy’s sensitivities (TV9 Hindi: Randeep Hooda’s statements on Savarkar, Godse, and Gandhi).

Randeep Hooda’s support for Savarkar and Godse, and his critique of Gandhi, seem likely to align with the BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda, though the intent is debated. His film and statements contribute to a narrative that elevates Savarkar while downplaying Gandhi’s legacy, aligning with BJP efforts to reinterpret history. While Hooda has not explicitly joined the BJP, his actions, especially the timing of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’s release, suggest indirect support, sparking controversy and highlighting tensions in Indian political discourse.

Key Citations

• TV9 Hindi Randeep Hooda’s statements on Savarkar, Godse, and Gandhi
• Wikipedia Swatantrya Veer Savarkar film details and release
• The Hindu Swatantrya Veer Savarkar movie review and analysis
• The Quint Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Review and critique
• The Indian Express Randeep Hooda politics and movie career focus
• IndiaTimes Randeep Hooda trolled for Savarkar inspiration claims
• Hindustan Times Analysis of Hooda’s take on Savarkar