'Batwara 1947' underperformed despite high expectations. Shabana Azmi said audiences rejected Sunny Deol as a Muslim character, clashing with his "action patriot" image. Director Rajkumar Santoshi disagreed, citing Amitabh Bachchan's Muslim roles in 'Coolie' and Manmohan Desai films. He also lamented growing intolerance, referencing his film 'Lajja' and its Ramayana-based segment.