As Vikrant Massey takes a break from films, social media is abuzz over cancel culture

Actor Vikrant Massey surprised everyone on December 2 when he announced a break from films at the peak of his career. Although his post stated that he would stay away from the cinema “until the time sees fit”, this was quickly interpreted on social media as an early retirement; The actor is 37. The only question everyone asked was “Why?”

In 2023, Vikrant Massey delivered his career best performance with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra 12. Failurein which he played the role of IPS officer Manoj Sharma. He followed along blackout, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dilruba, Sector 36 and the just published The Sabarmati Report which was hotly discussed and debated and even denounced by some as a propaganda film. The film is based on the Godhra train fire incident in 2002.

What then could have caused the successful actor to take a break in his blossoming career?

VIKRANT MASSEY’S TEMPORARILY RESISTANCE FROM FILMS

On December 2, around 3 a.m., Vikrant Massey shared a statement on Instagram he announced a break from cinema.

“The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each of you for your unwavering support. But the further I progress, the more I realize it’s time to reorient myself and return home. As a husband, father and son. And also. “As actors we would meet for the last time in 2025 and spend many years full of memories (sic),” the post said.

VIKRANT MASSEY AND “THE SABARMATI REPORT”

Vikrant Massey had a film release in November 2024 The Sabarmati Report. The film suffered several delays and received mixed reviews. However, the film has received the approval of the Narendra Modi government. The film, reportedly made on a budget of Rs 50 crore, has has earned over Rs 35.56 crore worldwide until now.

The Sabarmati Report is based on the Godhra train fire incident on February 27, 2002. The Sabarmati Express fire killed 59 Hindu pilgrims. The cause of the fire and the Hindu-Muslim conflict remain one of the most sensitive issues in India even after two decades.

The film, which received wide praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders, was soon declared tax-free in party-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.

Not only that, Vikrant Massey and the team at The Sabarmati Report even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath and other leaders.

At the same time, the actor received heavy criticism; Several on social media claimed that an accomplished actor had signed up for a propaganda film. Suddenly the actor was trolled without any haters.

VIKRANT MASSEY’S controversial attitudes and threats towards his 9-month-old son

Vikrant Massey as he talks about his latest release The Sabarmati ReportHe also caused a stir with his statements.

Two weeks ago Massey appeared on the Top Angle Podcast where he talked about Hindus finally having the opportunity to question their identity in their country. Vikrant Massey was trolled for his attitude and some questioned his intention to bring religion in his interviews.

During the interview he said: “We have to understand that we are a young nation. It has been 76 to 77 years (since independence). After hundreds of years of oppression – by the Mughals, the Dutch, the French, and the British – we got what is called azadi (independence). But was it really independence that they left behind? own country Don’t pay attention to this concept of identity, the concept of feelings. Most decisions in our lives are driven by emotions and our feelings.

Here are some reactions:

Shortly after the release of the film and his statements, he received threats from unnamed sources on social media, including WhatsApp.

“Yes, I have received threats and there will probably be more. But as artists we tell stories. This film is based on facts and this is something we are dealing with together as a team. We will deal with it.” “How it needs to be dealt with,” Massey told news agency PTI.

The actor also said that he is worried about the safety of his nine-month-old son. “These people know that I recently became a father to a child who cannot even walk. They drag his name around and I worry for his safety. “What kind of society do we live in?” he added.

Harnessing cancel culture and political leanings

With the power and reach of social media and extreme views, the trend of cancel culture is increasing. Actors and other artists are often considered soft targets.

Until last year, Vikrant Massey received a lot of love and appreciation. His serious performance in 12. Failure further cemented his position as an up-and-coming talent. But everything suddenly changed when he became part of The Sabarmati Report; The actor found himself in controversy when he explained – repeatedly and with conviction – why the story needed to be told.

Here is the trailer of The Sabarmati Report:

Could this sudden change have spurred his decision to take a break from films?

Did threats against his nine-month-old son cause the actor to hit the pause button?

Did cancel culture play a role?

The answers are probably hidden somewhere in the actor’s post. As Vikrant Massey said, “I realized it was time to recalibrate and return home. As a husband, father and son. And also as an actor.”