Indian Psychiatric Society sees red with the upcoming movie title Mental hai Kya
Mumbai: Tension has erupted between the Indian Psychiatric Society and the makers of an upcoming movie after the former wrote to the Censor Board objecting to the title of the film " Mental Hai Kya. Doctors pointed out the film industry must exercise caution and be more sensitive in its messaging, objecting to the title and posters of the upcoming Hindi film
"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 mental disorders. We strongly demand the title to be removed with immediate effect preventing further damage to the modesty of mental health service users," read the letter.
Makers of Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer "Mental Hai Kya" on on the other hand denied that the film discriminates against people battling mental health issues and in fact, encourages the audience to "embrace their individuality".
The response from the production house Balaji Motion Pictures comes a day after the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) wrote a letter to the censor board to object against the film's recently released posters.
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The production banner countered that the film aims to celebrate distinctiveness.
"'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," the statement read.
The IPS had also demanded to censor any sequence in the film which violates the rights of persons with a mental disorder.
The makers, however, said it is a "fictional thriller genre feature film meant to entertain audiences".
"It does not offend, discriminate or disregard any person. In fact, the film is a mainstream entertainer which makes a larger point," the statement further read.
