EXCLUSIVE: Rajesh Khattar defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal and Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh, says ‘60% women went to watch the film’

by

As a seasoned filmmaker with decades of experience in the industry, I find myself standing firmly in defense of the artistic freedom that cinema provides us. The recent wave of criticism towards films like Animal, Kabir Singh, and Pushpa 2 is not new; it’s an age-old debate, if you will.

Movies like Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal,” Shahid Kapoor’s “Kabir Singh,” and Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa 2” have garnered immense affection from movie enthusiasts. However, these films have also faced substantial backlash, as some members of the public argue that they promote harmful masculinity and misogyny. In a recent conversation, Rajesh Khattar defended the on-screen portrayals.

In simpler terms, Rajesh Khattar stated that the issue at hand is an age-old discussion and not something new. He prefers not to delve too deep into it because there’s already plenty of discourse on the topic. Essentially, he believes that when it comes to cinema, people should be allowed to enjoy entertainment without unnecessary complications.

He explained, “In essence, let it remain as it is. Everyone has the right to decide what they prefer to view and what they wish to avoid. Placing such a significant burden on movies, suggesting that they can alter or negatively affect society, isn’t fair. It’s wiser not to impose such heavy obligations upon cinema.

Khattar highlighted that the events unfolding in reality often surpass what a writer could imagine. In his viewpoint, individuals tend to prioritize their own interests when bringing up issues, yet fail to address them adequately. The renowned actor from Don stated that true change begins at home and pointed out how observing the behavior of one’s family members, particularly children such as sons and daughters, can lead to positive transformation.

Regarding Shahid Kapoor’s movie Kabir Singh, Khattar commented, “I believe its earning over 300 crores and becoming one of Shahid’s biggest hits speaks volumes on its own. To put it into perspective, despite criticisms about misogyny, chauvinism, and the portrayal of man-woman relationships, a survey revealed that 60% of the film’s audience were women.” This way, Khattar emphasizes that the movie’s success contradicts the criticisms leveled against it.

He suggested that those individuals who had realized the story’s premise might be misogynistic and were aiming to protect women’s rights, should engage in dialogue with the women who watched the movie multiple times.

He also discussed the movie “Animal” starring Ranbir Kapoor, emphasizing that the creators have never suggested it portrays an ideal character. He acknowledged that the character has flaws and it depicts a troubled family, which he questioned whether it’s not appropriate to tell such stories about dysfunctional families that are commonly found in metropolitan areas, as Khattar stated.

He explained that translating actual life events onto the screen often leads to numerous questions. If something unexpected occurs during filming, even minor incidents can be exaggerated or overemphasized, as if they had happened a thousand times.

Regarding Pushpa 2 starring Allu Arjun, Khatter commented, “It serves as pure entertainment. The audience in the theater are being thoroughly entertained, and they seem to have forgotten their worries. Pushpa is top-notch entertainment. It has been filmed extravagantly, beautifully, acted exceptionally well, directed skillfully, and it embodies the essence of what is considered a successful commercial film. Critics may sit down to criticize or analyze it, but its success speaks for itself.

In our chat, he further complimented Shahid Kapoor’s acting skills, highlighting how he has significantly improved over time. He acknowledged that Kapoor is a skilled and prominent actor due to his ability to excel in diverse roles, spanning from dramatic period pieces to humorous movies.

Read More

2024-12-11 17:52