MUMBAI MIRROR (May 10, 2019)

Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut’s tussle for the release of their upcoming films— Super 30 and Mental Hai Kya respectively—took another turn on Thursday, when the actor put out a statement, revealing that he is shifting his film to avoid a box-office clash with Kangana. He added that the decision was taken to save the film from being “desecrated by yet another media circus”. Though the 45-year-old actor did not name Kangana in his statement, he hinted at their long-standing feud by saying that the decision was also taken to “save myself from the personal trauma and toxic mental violence this would cause… Despite the film being ready, I have requested my producers to shift and announce the next suitable date as soon as possible.”

The release date of Mental Hai Kya, which was initially set for March, subsequently moving to June 21, was changed to July 26, coinciding with Super 30, earlier this week. While reports claimed that the new release date was agreed upon at Kangana’s behest to facilitate a box-office clash between her and Hrithik, Ekta Kapoor who has produced the actress’ film, denied it, saying that the decision was hers and had nothing to do with the equation between the two actors. On May 7, she retweeted a statement issued by her production house, which asserted that the decision was taken for “better box office prospects” for Mental Hai Kya “after recommendations from distributors, analysts and a top research team...” “My decision, my film... so all brickbats directed to me please!!! I am my own person,” Ekta wrote with the post.

On May 8, she reiterated her stand, saying, “The ugly underground tweets have begun. I’ve promised to keep it clean and have assurances from my actors on the same. I hope personal assaults on them stop, because it’s my decision and not theirs.” The post was shared by Kangana’s sister and former manager Rangoli Chandel who added, “What to expect from a man who always prefers to attack your back rather then meeting you in the battle field, jitna tu aur tera PR Kangana ko giraega utna he woh teri maregi.... so far it wasn’t her concern magar ab tu dekh... Jadoo.” It was followed by a salvo directed at Hrithik, “Tu apne chillar PR se tweet karvata reh, woh ek interview degi... tere charon khane chit...”

On Thursday, Rangoli returned to issue a clarification on her actress-sister’s behalf. “Hrithik Roshan, Madhu Mantena (Super 30 producer) and Ekta Kapoor collectively decided that Hrithik will push Super 30’s release date and Ekta will bring her film MHK (Mental Hai Kya) on July 26. They had taken this call last week itself. I don’t know why he (Hrithik) wrote this sob story but I am glad that MHK is getting a solo release. I salute my producer Ekta Kapoor for making her way in this male-dominated industry. It’s not easy to do what she does... I applaud her courage and power.”

Meanwhile, calling the negativity surrounding the release of his film a “blatant case of harassment”, Hrithik added, “Over the past few years, to utter dismay, I have been witness to a lot of us cheering and encouraging what was/ is an open and blatant case of harassment. I must even now, wait patiently and silently for the collective consciousness of society to take cognisance of such matters in order to maintain our faith in civility of our society. This unrelenting helplessness must end.”