MUMBAI: Reacting to the controversies surrounding Rajkumar Hirani’s latest release PK, actor Boman Irani says people need to respect the viewpoint of the filmmakers.
“People may agree and may even disagree but then they have to respect it (the concept of PK) because we are also respecting their view,” Boman, who has a key role in the film, said.
PK, which is doing well at the box office, has been recieving mixed reactions from audiences for its content. While some have slammed it, saying it mocks Hindu traditions, a lot of people have called it the best film of 2014.
“It is a thought-provoking film that stirs discussion as well,” Irani says and feels that “any film worth a debate is a good film.” “It is a point of view and you have to respect that,” said the 55-year-old.
Some groups, including Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), an Indian right-wing Hindu nationalist non-governmental organisation are demanding a curb on such movies that hurt religious sentiments of Hindus.
However, Irani is not deterred by such groups, instead he feels happy with their reaction because it has engaged people into discussion over the sensitive issue as religion and God.
“Of course people will (protest and create controversy)… everybody will do it. But it is so nice because everybody is having discussion about it and anything worth a debate is a good film,” Irani said.
Further talking about Hirani, the actor said that his films always make people think and re-assess their own values. “Rajkumar Hirani films will always have something to think about. You agree or disagree with the film or you like or dislike a film, that’s a different thing but his films will at least make you think,” Irani, who has worked with Hirani in films like Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, said.
“His films will make you re-assess your own values and re-evaluate yourselves saying ‘maybe he is right may be he is wrong but I am thinking’ and that thought has to be respectful because he is respecting the audience,” he added.
Featuring Aamir Khan as an alien, the film also stars Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Dutt.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2014.
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