Mental Hai Kya, the new film starring Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, has run into trouble with the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) objecting to the title. The society has written to Prasoon Joshi, chief of the Censor Board, asking it to take action.
The association has sought a change in the title as they felt that it was derogatory and offensive, reports ToI. Apart from convincing the makers to change the title, the IPS also requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to censor portions in the film that violates the rights of the people with mental health concerns.
Mental Hai Kya is directed by Prakash Kovelamudi and produced by Ekta Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Telefilms. The movie is written by Kanika Dhillon who also wrote last year’s Manmarziyaan.
The makers have responded to the IPS’ claims saying that the movie would encourage people to embrace their “individuality and distinctiveness”. The producers issued a statement that said, “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.”
Rangoli Chandela, Kangana Ranaut’s sister, responded to a claim by The Live Love Laugh (TLLL) Foundation that said that people ought to be responsible and sensitive while dealing with topics like mental illness as there was a tremendous stigma attached to it already.
Many millions who suffer with mental illness in India already face tremendous stigma. Therefore,it is extremely important to be responsible and sensitive towards the needs of those suffering. (2/2) https://t.co/sZCeIp8eGw
— TLLLFoundation (@TLLLFoundation) April 20, 2019
Rangoli Chandela in her response requested the organization not to jump the gun before watching the film. Requesting it to bank on the goodwill of the three-time National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut, Rangoli said that people would love the film.
Dear @TLLLFoundation Ms Ranaut who is recipient of three national awards and one f the driving forces of feminism movement in India through her films like Queen & Manikarnika is one f the most responsible artists,to jump the gun & assume the worse is nothing bt immature..(contd.) https://t.co/99Brese96M
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) April 20, 2019
She also quoted an instance from Kangana Ranaut’s life when she was labelled ‘bipolar’ by her enemies.
With Kangana’s permission I am sharing her story, two years ago, her silly ex along with nepotism gang attacked her just to publicly embarrass and discredit her, they called her Mental and bipolar….(cont)
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) April 20, 2019
(contd) …endless jokes and memes were made with the intention of insulting and harassing her,rather than feeling humiliated or defensive Kangana pledged to fight the stigma attached to the illness, MHK is a story f fight against this very prejudice Kangana faced 2 years ago ?
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) April 20, 2019
Mental Hai Kya is scheduled to release on June 21.
Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times
