A day after the launch of the poster of the upcoming film Mental Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao in the lead, a certain section of the society has taken offence to it. They have felt that the title of the movie is discriminating against people who are battling mental issues.
Mumbai: The makers of Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer Mental Hai Kya have released a statement urging that they do not intend to hurt anybody’s sentiments with their movie. They claim that the film is a piece of fiction, made only for the purpose of entertaining the audience and does not intend to disregard or offend anybody.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, the makers mentioned,
“To whomsoever, it may concern,
A day after the launch of the poster of the upcoming film Mental Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao in the lead, a certain section of the society has taken offence to it. They have felt that the title of the movie is discriminating against people who are battling mental issues.
On the contrary, the makers of the film, believe that their movie - Mental Hai Kya will encourage people to embrace their individuality and distinctiveness. Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Balaji Motion Pictures’, Mental Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao marks the coming together of some of the most talented and responsible media personalities, who in no way intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Also read: Kangana Ranaut's Mental Hai Kya angers Indian Psychiatric Society, here's why
The makers would like to maintain that Mental Hai Kya is a fictional thriller genre feature film meant to entertain audiences and it does not offend, discriminate or disregard any person. In fact, the film is a mainstream entertainer which makes a larger point.”
For the uninitiated, the movie has landed into a controversy over its title. The Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS) has written to the CBFC expressing their objection with the title ‘Mental Hai Kya’. In a letter addressed to CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, the IPS said it takes objection to a "number of issues", as the movie, backed by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, seems to violate many sections of Mental Health Care Act, 2017.
“We take serious objections to the title of the movie which is discriminative, stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders and persons who suffer from mental disorders. We strongly demand the title to be removed with immediate effect preventing further damage to the modesty of mental health service users,” the letter read.
The movie, written by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Prakash Kovelamudi is all set to hit the silver screens on June 21. It also stars Amyra Dastur, Jimmy Sheirgill and Satish Kaushik in key roles and Shah Rukh Khan in an extended cameo.
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