Shrinks object to ''Mental Hai Kya'' title

Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service
Mumbai, April 20

The Indian Psychiatric Society has objected to the title of the film, 'Mental Hai Kya' starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao on the grounds that it humiliated people suffering from mental illnesses.

"We take serious objection to the title of the movie, which is discriminative, stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders and persons suffering 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," a letter by the society to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) said.

The objections by the IPS came shortly after Balaji Motion Pictures released the poster of the film earlier this week which showed Ranaut and Rao holding a razor blade on the tip of their tongues. According to the producers 'Mental Hai Kya' is a comedy film produced by Ekta
Kapoor and directed by Prakash Kovelamudi and is due to be released on June 21.

The IPS, which claims a membership of more than 7,000 mental health professionals, said it would move court if the title of the film was not changed.

In response to the letter by the IPS Balaji Motion Pictures said the makers of the movie did not aim to hurt anyone's sentiments. ".....the makers of the film believe the movie will encourage people to embrace their individuality and distinctiveness. The movie 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 said.

Commenting on behalf of Kangana, her sister Rangoli took to Twitter where she defended the film."On behalf of Kangana all I want to say is that everyone will be proud of 'Mental Hai Kya' the topic and subject she has chosen will trigger relevant talk and discussions around the stigma," Rangoli tweeted.