Kangana Ranaut shares with BT her thoughts on Mental Hai Kya’stitle being changed to Judgemental Hai Kya,why the change was incorporated and the reason she attended the screening held for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; June 30, 2019)

After much discussion and thought, the title Mental Hai Kya has been changed. Your thoughts?
We are glad to get another perspective from the CBFC. They didn’t ask for any cuts as such, the word mental is being replaced and that’s the only change. They felt that the word ‘mental’ could come across as harsh to people who may be battling mental illness. Apparently, you can’t even call it mental illness. It should just be called, illness. The guidelines are clear. I think the word mental was banned last year. They have a long list of dos and don’ts and we are more than happy to be educated on this front and to incorporate the changes. We are also happy that the CBFC has fast-tracked this case, because we are so close to the release date. This will help us launch our promos and kickstart our activities around the film on time. We are definitely changing the title, but it has to be something that sounds similar because the movie shouldn’t lose its personality. There’s already a buzz that’s generated and marketing money that has been invested. Hence, it will be something like the previous title.

The makers have announced that the film is now renamed, Judgemental Hai Kya…
Since the protagonist’s name is Bobby, we were wondering if we go could back to it. This film was originally called Bobby (that was the working title), but we realised it wasn’t giving anyone a glimpse into what the subject is all about. There was also a discussion if we can retitle it as, ‘Bobby Mental Hai Kya’ or ‘Bobby Crazy Hai Kya?’ We didn’t choose any of these. Bobby felt like a different film altogether. Big money has been invested on marketing the film, so why let it all go down the drain? There were also funny suggestions like, ‘Sentimental Hai Kya’. They were not okay with ‘Temperamental Hai Kya’ either, as it suggested that people who fight illnesses may have a bad temperament. So, I guess settling for Judgemental Hai Kya is a good idea, as it doesn’t rub anyone the wrong way.

You were part of screening held for the CBFC that happened a few days ago. Not many actors are involved in this aspect of a film’s journey. What made you take this initiative?
There is a lot of hoopla about how I take responsibility for my films, but nobody talks about how I see them through. No matter what kind of ups and downs my films go through, I take complete onus of them. Which actor will sit for six hours in a discussion (with the CBFC) and try to make things work? I did it for Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi as well. Ekta Kapoor and Jeetu sir (Jeetendra), the makers, told me, “It is extraordinary how you take complete responsibility of your film. Nobody would do that. We are impressed.” Sometimes people can look at the positive aspects also. It’s a selfless act. I also saw Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi through. I directed that film and had a long discussion with the Censor Board back then, as well. I have immense respect for the CBFC as a government body. There was this hoopla going on about censorship and other films, where people were behaving like victims. I was the first one to say that you cannot completely disregard a government body. I meant that. I went there (attended the screening) to ensure things don’t spiral into something that will bring disrespect to either party.

Did you accept the change immediately or was there any healthy debate and discussion on why the title should be changed?
There was no bad blood. Our point was that the term ‘mental’ is part of textbooks. Be it mental disorders, mental illness or mental asylum. If you go by the meaning in the dictionary, the word mental is related to the brain. The slang that people use for ‘mental’ isn’t a part of the dictionary, but it has been incorporated in the list of dos and dont’s by the psychiatrists. You cannot use the word ‘mental’ as a slang. When they put this point across, we were trying to negotiate. But given the sensitivity of the topic, we decided to change the title.

NOW, IT’S JUDGEMENTAL HAI KYA
Meanwhile, the official spokesperson of Balaji Motion Pictures, said, “Given the sensitivity attached to the issue and our intention of not offending or hurting anyone’s sentiments, we have decided to change the title of our film Mental Hai Kya to Judgemental Hai Kya.The film will hit theatres on July 26, and it has been cleared with a U/A certification and minor changes, which we are happy to comply with.”

Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao-starrer will undergo a title change; all references to word ‘mental’ to be muted out
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 29, 2019)

Mirror (April 20) had earlier reported that the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has raised objections to the title of the Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao-starrer Mental Hai Kya which opens on July 26. It had sent out letters addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, former Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Prasoon Joshi calling it a discriminatory and stigmatising title with the demand that it be dropped.

Now, Mirror has learnt that the producers have decided to change the title of the film. This was confirmed by the production house’s official spokesperson, “Given the sensitivity attached to the issue of mental health and the fact that our intention is not to offend or hurt anyone’s sentiments, the makers have decided to change the title to Judgementall Hai Kya.” The spokesperson added that CBFC has cleared the film with U/A certification with minor changes, which the makers are happy to comply with.

However, Mirror has learnt that the word ‘mental’ appears several times in the film and also in a song. When prodded on whether this will necessitate further changes the spokesperson added, “Understanding the sensitivity of the issue, the makers have readily agreed to mute certain words. The film’s title track is undergoing a revamp.”

Judgementall Hai Kya was earlier scheduled to release on March 29, was pushed to June 21 and will now finally open on July 26. It was earlier clashing with the Hrithik Roshan starrer Super 30, based on mathematician Anand Kumar’s life, but that will now arrive two weeks earlier on July 12. But the Kangana-Rajkummar starrer will lock horns with Diljit Dosanjh and Kriti Sanon cop comedy Arjun Patiala.
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Weeks after its title sparked debate, Mental Hai Kya makers and Censor Board rechristen film to Judgementall Hai Kya; movie cleared with minimal changes
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 29, 2019)

mid-day had reported in its June 19 edition that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had called for a meeting with the makers of Mental Hai Kya to review the film and its contentious title.

It has been learnt that the meeting took place at the Censor Board's Pedder Road office on Thursday night with producer Ekta Kapoor's father Jeetendra and the movie's leading lady Kangana Ranaut in attendance. While the CBFC has greenlit the Rajkummar Rao starrer, the title — that had irked the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) for its allegedly insensitive nature — has now been revised to Judgementall Hai Kya. The trailer, which was to release a fortnight ago, will now be launched next week.

A source present at the screening reveals, "Though Censor Board chairman Prasoon Joshi wasn't in attendance, the screening and the discussion went on for over six hours. The Censor Board cleared the film, but thought it's best to change the name to ensure that there is no dubiousness over the film's message. Ekta was happy to comply with the change as the new title encapsulated the theme of the thriller, which takes a stand on people being judged by society. It was also decided that the word 'mental', which was used in few sequences, will be muted in the edit."

Soon after the first look was released, the Prakash Kovelamudi-directed venture had courted controversy. Several mental health experts had raised objections against the name stating that it was "stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders."

Confirming the development of title change, the official spokesperson of Balaji Telefilms said, "Given the sensitivity attached to the issue of mental health and our intention of not offending or hurting anyone's sentiments, the makers have decided to change the title of Mental Hai Kya to Judgementall Hai Kya. CBFC has cleared the film with U/A certification with minor changes, which the makers are happy to comply with. With the CBFC clearance, the movie is all set to release on July 26."

The actress and her sister have been issued summons by the Andheri Metropolitan Court, in connection with the criminal defamation cases filed by actors Aditya Pancholi and his wife Zarina Wahab
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 27, 2019)

Call it a strange coincidence, but Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel have been summoned to court on July 26, the day the actress’ next, Mental Hai Kya, releases. They have been issued summons by the Andheri Metropolitan Court in the criminal defamation cases filed by Aditya Pancholi and his wife Zarina Wahab in 2017.

Four cases were filed after Kangana allegedly defamed the actor couple on national TV, while Rangoli took to social media to make allegations against him. Summons have been issued in connection with each case — Aditya Pancholi vs Kangana Ranaut, Aditya Pancholi vs Rangoli Chandel, Zarina Wahab vs Kangana Ranaut and Zarina Wahab vs Rangoli Chandel.

Aditya, who is being represented by advocate Shreya Srivastava, told BT, “We filed the case in 2017, when Kangana appeared on two TV shows and said a lot of things against my wife and me, which we felt were extremely defamatory. It’s taken two years for the matter to get this far, but I trust our judiciary to serve justice. The court has finally issued summons against both the sisters. Kangana had said a lot of stuff, which she will now have to prove, and failing which, she will face the consequences. I understand that matters like these take their own time to conclude, but I won’t lose hope.”

Aditya’s lawyer Shreya said that Kangana and Rangoli have to be present for the hearing on July 26. She added, “We had filed these cases two years ago. The judge had issued orders to investigate the matter, and the police did not find any FIRs or NCs against Aditya, as claimed by Kangana on television. If the sisters don’t turn up, they will have to apply for bail on the same day. They’ve been charged for a bailable offence.”

We reached out to Kangana and Rangoli’s team, but they didn’t respond to our queries till we went to press.

Mental Hai Kya makers defer trailer launch slated for today; meeting called between Ekta Kapoor, censor board and Indian Psychiatric Society to take call on title, teaser
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 19, 2019)

With little over a month to go for the July 26 release of Mental Hai Kya, the makers were eyeing to kick off the run-up with the trailer launch today. However, mid-day has learnt that the event has been put on hold as the title of the Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer remains a subject of contention. In a bid to find common ground, a meeting has been scheduled between producer Ekta Kapoor, members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in the city today. On the agenda is a special screening of the trailer and a possible review of the title.

This development comes after the hearing at the Gujarat High Court yesterday. It may be recalled that the IPS had knocked on the High Court's door in May, alleging that the title of the Prakash Kovelamudi-directed thriller was "stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders and persons who suffer from mental disorders."

Confirming news of the meeting, advocate Kshitij Amin, who represents the censor board, reveals, "The producers submitted the trailer to the CBFC on June 11. The governing body [CBFC here] has decided to call for a meeting between the petitioner and the applicant. They will watch the trailer and decide further course of action. Since the discussion is likely to take place today, the court has adjourned the matter to next week."

Mitul Shelat, legal counsel for the IPS, says, "The matter is subjudice, so all I can say is that the CBFC has called for a meeting and the representatives of the IPS will be present."

Meanwhile, as Kapoor released a new motion poster yesterday, she reiterated that the thriller is sensitive towards the subject of mental illness. "The film doesn't marginalise the mental health community and the title doesn't intend to offend or disregard anyone's sentiments... The movie encourages you to celebrate your uniqueness," she wrote.

mid-day reached out to Balaji Motion Pictures, which remained unavailable for comment.

Kangana Ranaut on ‘nepotism gangs’ launching ‘smear campaigns’ against her, why her sister is on social media with guns blazing while she isn’t, and plans to kick off an action film shortly
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 15, 2019)

After the sartorial rigours of the Cannes Film Festival, Kangana Ranaut headed home in Manali for some downtime. On the work front, the actress is gearing up for the release of Prakash Kovelamudi’s Mental Hai Kya, which reunites her with her Queen co-star Rajkummar Rao. Then, there’s Panga, her first project with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, which she will resume shooting for next month. In this conversation, the actress opens about work, family and outliving ‘smear campaigns’. Excerpts:

How is it going in Manali?
It’s been a while since I came here. I was here briefly for New Year’s... me directing Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi was unexpected and it took time as it was a massive project. Then, I jumped into Mental Hai Kya and Panga. After Cannes, I found myself tired all the time from travelling and the kabaddi matches that I was shooting for Panga in night shifts. The quality of air and water in Manali is so amazing, you recover quickly.

You aren’t on social media but your sister Rangoli Chandel has been making news by standing up for you during controversies…
When Rangoli was in Mumbai, she wanted her social environment to be pleasant, she has a family and her husband was working in the city at the time. Now, she has no f**ks to give and I like that kind of freedom. I don’t sit on her head and tell her what she should say. She is her own person and she has quietly observed all these industry people. Being an ostrich, keeping our eyes shut, has not helped us at all. So now she is completely at it. (laughs)

Any plans to make your own social media debut?
There are so many problematic things in the world and I’m a very conscious person, I’m very aware. I don’t want to be on social media and be bothered about problematic things that social media doesn’t provide solutions for. I can’t invest so much time on something that doesn’t deal with an issue. Rangoli says that people have taken advantage of my absence on the social media. She says that though I have helped people build hospitals and gifted a Rs two-and-half-crore flat to my yoga teacher, nobody knows about these things as I don’t talk about it. Sometimes she makes videos of me to share online. I find it funny, but she feels it’s important. In my past relationships I never made videos and even that went against me... Today, everything must be proved with photos and videos. How do I become a person who records and documents everything, so no one questions me tomorrow? I can’t live like that, it’s strange.

Recently, Rangoli also revealed on Twitter that Hrithik Roshan’s sister, Sunaina, has been calling both of you.
It is true that Sunaina and I were always good friends and so was her family. Now they claim differently. Yes, she has been in touch with me, but I don’t want to take advantage of her family dispute. Sunaina is still a friend but I will not hit somebody when they are down.

When do you resume work on Panga?
We will first release Mental Hai Kya. Prakash Kovelamudi is a new director but is good at his job. For Panga, I will be shooting the last of my portions in seven days next month.

What about Jayalalitha biopic Thalaivi?
That film will be in Hindi and Tamil and we begin by the year-end in Chennai. After that I am doing an action film that I will announce soon. Following that I will begin work on my next directorial (first being Manikarnika).

Manikarnika has made it to the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival…
It’s surprising because we never sent any entries to any film festival. We always thought the film is relevant to India, but it resonated with international audiences as well. When it released, I felt there were deliberate campaigns to kill it. Something like this validates the universal appeal of Manikarnika. So many people watched it but were hiding just because they didn’t want to speak about the film. Now, it seems like a sweet Cinderella story that has happened to us.

The film was mired in controversy. Your co-actors Mishti Chakraborty and Sonu Sood spoke negatively about you, and a video of you on a wooden horse was released.
I know who released that video. Two other actors of the nepotism gang were also learning horse-riding at the same place as me. They practised for one day and got so sore that they didn’t return. I was galloping and doing all sorts of stunts. The wooden horse was only used for close-up shots. Just because they cannot ride a horse they got jealous of me and released the video.

I rode a horse in Rangoon too, it’s not new for me. Mishti said she was asked to speak up, but who is making her speak? It’s all about ganging up against me. Sonu and I share a personal trainer. Again, situations were manipulated to force people to speak against me. Some trade experts were forced to show our film’s collections as half of the actual numbers. All the people who pretend that they don’t have PRs send the maximum number of mails against others. One smear campaign was started by Karan Johar’s gang against me by paying reviewers. When I talk about it, people think I sound like a loony character, but what option am I left with?

As cinephiles fuel speculation that Mental Hai Kya was deferred due to Ranaut’s interference in directorial duties, filmmaker Kovelamudi comes to her defence
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 7, 2019)

With the fiasco over directorial duties of Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi still fresh in people’s minds, cinephiles were quick to blame Kangana Ranaut for the delay in the release of Mental Hai Kya. Denying reports of Ranaut retarding the film-making process by interfering in his duties, director Prakash Kovelamudi tells mid-day, “On my set, Kangana was an actor; a professional one, and a creative asset.” Referring to suggestions of her having helmed a small portion of the film as “baseless rumours”, Kovelamudi says, “Both Kangana and Rajkummar [Rao] are powerhouse performers who I enjoyed directing. I am happy to see how their characters have turned out. Mental Hai Kya is an intriguing thriller with doses of quirk. The film challenges the norms, and I am thrilled to bring to the audience something original.”

With the makers allowing scraps of information — including the actors’ first looks — into the public domain several months ago, rumour mills were rife that the film was deferred since major portions had to be re-shot recently. Kovelamudi dismisses these as well, stating that the three-part filming schedule had taken place as planned. “We finished the first leg in Mumbai, the second in London, and the last one in the city again. The final schedule was wrapped last month,” says the director, who will launch the film’s trailer later this month to meet a July 26 release date.

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.” 

Ekta Kapoor says people reading too much into Kangana Ranaut's Mental Hai Kya clashing with Hrithik Roshan's Super 30, as makers confirm July release
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 8, 2019)

Cinephiles' loyalties were divided on Monday when Ekta Kapoor announced that her production Mental Hai Kya, starring Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, would hit screens on July 26 — a date that was earmarked by Hrithik Roshan for Super 30. Though rumours were rife yesterday that Super 30 would bow out of the race, the makers quelled all doubts as they tweeted last evening asserting that there was no change in the drama's release plans.

Given the history that Roshan and Ranaut share, one might fear that the impending box-office clash may take on a personal colour. However, Kapoor reveals that the decision to postpone the thriller to July is purely driven by commerce. "Our team is collectively committed to putting the film before everything. It was a unanimous decision to move the release date. We have spoken to trade analysts and top research teams because we understand how a clash impacts a film's business. The exhibitors, distribution and research team suggested we should release it on July 26, keeping in mind the other movies [that hit screens] a week before and after. There is absolutely no personal agenda at play here."

The locking horns of films often results in bitter fallouts between the two parties involved. But Kapoor insists that two big-ticket projects can enjoy a smooth run without creating a bitter atmosphere. "The release date is integral for business prospects of the film. This is not anyone's decision to make, but the studio's, in consultation with everyone involved. I have personally assured the other parties that there will be no mud-slinging and both films will have a dignified release."

Point out how one movie inevitably suffers in a clash, and Kapoor argues, "Every film will find a connect with its audience, whenever it releases. In the end, the box-office hinges on content reception and audience acceptance. We have full faith in what we have created."

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 3, 2019)

Finding herself among the select few writers who have their names credited among the top brass of filmmakers in the credit roll and posters of a film, Kanika Dhillon has Mental Hai Kya producer Ekta Kapoor to thank for the development.

Dhillon, who has films like Manmarziyaan and Kedarnath (2018) to her credit, reiterates the importance of film writers when stating that they shouldn’t be a “faceless cog in the creative process” of film-making.

“[Writers] pen the story, characters, emotions and the film itself. [We] are as much accountable for the success or failure of a film, and that’s how it should be. Ekta has always been among the producers who strongly believe in content creators. We had a series of discussions that spoke about the importance of writers, and how they must be given their dues, be it in terms of time, money or credit. I initiated the conversation, and [she] was willing to do it. It is one thing to pay lip-service, and another to show that you believe in what you say,” says Dhillon, wife to Mental Hai Kya director Prakash Kovelamudi.

Finding a spot on the film’s poster implies that there is more pressure on the writer to then deliver, she suggests. Even as the value that a strong screenplay holds is making itself evident at the box- office, Dhillon doesn’t believe we’re retracing the era where writers were the front when selling a film. “I don’t think it is easy to achieve what [Salim-Javed] have,” she says when we ask her of the prominence that the veteran writers held in their prime. “Their writing was capable of creating stars in a star-driven industry. A writer of this generation can only aspire to achieve what they have. But, we are collectively happy to set a precedent.”

While she credits Kapoor for the “firm and welcome step”, she adds that a number of film producers are also warming up to the notion of giving writers more importance. “Being a faceless name in a dark room should be a choice that the writer must make, not a condition that is set upon them.”

Ekta Kapoor's production house says Mental Hai Kya encourages people to embrace their uniqueness after Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) writes to CBFC for change in title, threatens to move court
Rupsa Chakraborty and Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 20, 2019)

A day after the release of the poster of the movie 'Mental Hai Kya' starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, the Indian Psychiatric Society has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), accusing the title of stereotyping mental health. The group has demanded changing the title, describing it as discriminatory, stigmatising and degrading to people suffering from mental disorders. In the letter, sent on Thursday, they have also requested CBFC to cut off any part that might be seen as violating and humiliating for people suffering from mental illness.

'Mental Hai Kya' is a comedy film produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Prakash Kovelamudi and is slated for a June 21 release. The poster of the movie was released on Wednesday, showing Ranaut and Rao with a blade on the tip of their tongues. Several psychiatrists have raised their eyebrows at the poster.

Taking cognizance of the issue, the Indian Psychiatric Society, which is one of the biggest psychiatric societies of the world with over 7,000 members, has written to Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of CBFC. "We take serious objection to the title of the movie, which is discriminative, stigmatizing, 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," reads the letter.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Vijay Kumar, general secretary of the society stated that the movie also violates many sections of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. "The blade on tip of their tongues is scary. It is triggering and reflects self-harm, which reflects the ignorance of people suffering from mental disorders. In India, hundreds of people suffer from such illnesses, who need to be respected rather than being humiliated and taken for granted. As artists and producers, they should take this issue more seriously," he said, adding, "If the producers don't make the required changes, then we would move to court.

Several other psychiatrists are also protesting the poster on social media and via emails to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Dr Pavan Sonar, consultant psychiatrist took to Twitter requesting Kapoor to change the name of the movie. "Yes, I am upset with the title 'Mental Hai Kya'. It doesn't acknowledge the pain of being affected by mental health issues, stigma around mental health. #NoFun #MentalHealth #MentalHaiKya #Stigma," he tweeted.

Another psychiatrist, Dr Harish Shetty, took to Instagram to express his disapproval. He wrote, "The title 'Mental Hai Kya' is provocation and in my opinion, alarming. It appears funny and deriding of the mentally ill. In an era where one is fighting the stigma against mental health and are helping accept the term mental health, the title comes as shock. It may sound cool but the feeling isn't."

The Other Side
When mid-day reached out to Kanika Dhillon, who has written the movie, she said, "It wouldn't be fair to comment without understanding the context in which the complaint has been registered."

Balaji Motion Pictures, the producers of the movie said in a statement, "On the contrary, 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 makers would like to maintain that 'Mental Hai Kya' is a fictional thriller genre feature film meant to entertain audiences and it does not offend, discriminate or disregard any person. In fact, the film is a mainstream entertainer which makes a larger point."

- Inputs by Mohar Basu

MUMBAI MIRROR (April 18, 2019)

The Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao-starrer Mental Hai Kya, which marks the Hindi directorial debut of Prakash Kovelamudi and was slated to clash with Rajkumar Gupta’s Arjun Kapoor-starrer India’s Most Wanted on May 24, has now been postponed by four weeks. Due to the delay, the film will now face-off with Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani’s intense love story, Kabir Singh, which is the official remake of Telugu hit, Arjun Reddy, and marks the Hindi debut of the original’s director, Sandeep Vanga.

Shahid and Kangana have worked together in Vishal Bhardwaj’s perioddrama, Rangoon. Ekta Kapoor and Murad Khetani, producers of Mental… and Kabir Singh respectively, refused to comment on the development. Interestingly, the two films will lock horns at the box office during the final stages of the Cricket World Cup, which kicks off on May 30.

Mirror had earlier reported (March 26) that 2019-20 will be marked by big clashes with as many as seven release dates shared among 15 films. The battles begin with a three-way clash—Prabhas’s Saaho, Akshay Kumar’s Mission Mangal and John Abraham’s Batla House open over the Independence Day weekend. Next up is another Akshaystarrer, Good News, which will compete with Anurag Basu’s untitled next on September 6. Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s first film together, HR v/s Tiger, and Sidharth Malhotra’s reunion with Ek Villain co-star Riteish Deshmukh, Marjavaan, release on Gandhi Jayanti, while Deepika Padukone’s debut as a producer, the Meghna Gulzar-directed Chhapaak and Ajay Devgn’s ambitious period-drama, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, hit the marquee on January 10. Mohit Suri’s Malang and #Aajkal during the Valentine’s Day weekend in 2020. And the biggest of the them all, Rohit Shetty’s first film with Akshay, Sooryavanshi, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s reunion with Salman Khan, Inshallah, are slated for Eid 2020.

Amyra on enjoying increased screen time in Mental Hai Kya
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 16, 2019)

With Mental Hai Kya slated to release in May, the unit of the Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao- starrer has been busy with the patchwork shoot. It has now emerged that the team has gone back to the studio to film additional scenes with Amyra Dastur, who plays Rao’s love interest, thus increasing her screen time in the thriller. Confirming the news, Dastur tells mid-day, “When the team sat on the editing table, they realised that they needed additional scenes to enhance the flow of the narrative and to help the audience understand the story better. So, we shot for some fresh scenes.”

Thrilled to share screen space with Ranaut and Rao in the movie, the actor says the recently shot sequences will highlight her character’s relationship with Ranaut. “The makers felt that a few extra scenes would help establish the bond between Kangana and my character. Working with Kangana and Raj has been a dream come true.”

Mental Hai Kya makers push film's release to May after Kangana Ranaut requests for breather between Manikarnika and black comedy
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 28, 2019)

Ever since its first look was released last March, Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Mental Hai Kya has piqued the audience's curiosity, courtesy its offbeat treatment of the film's subject - mental illness. Initially slated for a March 29 release, mid-day has learnt that the Prakash Kovelamudi-directed venture has now been pushed to May, apparently at the leading lady's behest.

Turns out, Ranaut pragmatically pointed out to the makers that the black comedy was coming close on the heels of her last release, Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, which is still running in theatres. A source reveals, "After the success of Manikarnika, Kangana wanted to space out her next film. Mental Hai Kya was coming exactly two months after Manikarnika's release, which implied that she would have to immediately dive into the film's promotions. She requested the makers for a breather as the period drama had taken a toll on her."

The source adds that the film's patchwork shoot has been pending. "Kangana had reassigned some of her dates to Manikarnika since she had to reshoot portions of the period drama. As a result, a part of the patchwork shoot is remaining. The makers, therefore, decided that it would be best to push the release to May. However, they are yet to zero in on a date."

Rajkummar Rao on shifting gears from indie cinema to hitmakers and aiming for the Akshay Kumar zone of four films in a year
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 3, 2019)

Art does not come in isolation, it comes with a responsibility…" starts Rajkummar Rao, when we meet him on a chilly Saturday. Dressed casually in a sweatsuit and a cap, he wears a relaxed look on his face. His last film Stree (2018) was unanimously one of the best films of the year and is expected to make it to the award galas this season. I ask him how is he so relaxed in times when competition is at its peak and everyone is waiting to outdo the other. He smiles and says, "That's my satiated look…" As he joins Anurag Basu on the film set in Bhopal, Rao talks to us about the importance of the social message in cinema, his 'Akshay Kumar year' with four releases in 2019 and the warped idea of competition in showbiz.

Is industry competition a myth given that opportunities are abundant?
Acting can't be competitive. It's not like we are working towards a promotion at the workplace. It's neither about outdoing designations. Movies are not a sport. I cannot go up to Ayushmann [Khurrana] and say, "Bro, I can cry better than you!" It's not wrestling that has one definite goal - to win. A good performance by anyone gives me a high. I can compete with someone's hard work, but not their work. The industry is not so petty anymore where one is pulling the other down. There is love, which is why great work is coming to the fore now.

While Stree had an interesting hook to the horror comedy genre, is it possible for an actor to be morally responsible while picking up scripts?
An artiste is someone who has been bestowed with the responsibility of changing thoughts and shaping ideas. It is a reality that people get carried away with the things they see on screen. I do my best not to portray something on screen which could be termed 'bad influence'. There are times when I have changed lines and scenes on set because I felt it may give out an incorrect message. As artistes, we have the responsibility to shape the ideology of an entire generation that will grow up watching us. I am a small town boy, I was copying Shah Rukh Khan when I was growing up. But having said that, should it limit creativity? I don't think so.

So, what do you do if a challenging character comes to you but the repercussions could be problematic?
This dilemma was on my mind during Omertà (2018). It was draining to be in a terrorist's mind but in such scenarios, the voice of the film matters; does it justify the actions of a terrorist? No, it doesn't. It merely states it as a matter of fact. It is a film from a terrorist's perspective, but I did it because it is exploratory to be in this space and show the world how they think or function. I wanted to play a dark character, whose ideology I cannot relate to. I trusted Hansal sir to make a film without jeopardising the message we send out.

Omertà never comes off as a wholesome film. How much of it was chopped out?
It was considerably cut. It wasn't my place to take a call on that.

In hindsight, was the Daniel Pearl killing in Omertà your toughest scene on screen last year?
(Laughs) It was an improvised scene. In the original script, it stops at him discovering the body. The rest of the part where I drag him out and behead him was done at the moment. Hansal sir has this problem where he doesn't say cut. So, the camera kept rolling and I was living in Omar Saeed's dangerous mind pace. A few months later, when I watched it again, I was shaken at how much hatred a man can harbour.

You were the poster boy of indie cinema and then came 2018, and you were giving Rs 100 crore hits.
And Stree was the most profitable film last year. The audience reaction has shifted. We always made such films, but it's only now that the appreciation for them has increased. It's like the concept of demand and supply. The audience now demands better content, and we are following through. Since Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), my first film, I always believed in the power of the story. People would advice me, don't do this, it won't sell. But who knows what sells really? There is no fixed formula that sustains better than good content. I was willing to make my own mistakes and follow my gut feeling. Of course, I have made mistakes, where I took up a project for the wrong reasons, as a favour for a friend. And few days into it, I knew this is something I shouldn't have taken up. It is tougher to say no to a film.

So, you were never tempted to take a project for the money?
I never worked for money. I do endorsements for that. Even with brands, I am particular about the scripts. I have been offered obnoxious amounts of money for events and shows, but if my heart isn't in it, I won't do it. People say this is my time to cash in but that's not why I became an actor.

Is this the year that you can finally have an 'Akshay Kumar' moment?
I don't see why not. I am only honoured to be as hardworking as the legends of this industry. That's the only thing that will sustain - hard work.

So, what's in your kitty for 2019?
There is Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, followed by Mental Hai Kya, which is an edgy, funny thriller. Kangana [Ranaut] and I had a great time at the shoot. I love working with her. She is talented and it's thrilling to work with actors, who are able to evoke better performances in you. Our characters have been fleshed out wonderfully and we have done our best. I also have Imali with Kangana, which is a heart-wrenching story. After that, I have Made In China. It is a hilarious script. I play a Gujarati man, who aspires to be an entrepreneur. I did play a bit of this guy in Kai Po Che (2013) but this is hardcore. Then I start shooting for Anurag Basu's next [yet-untitled] in Bhopal. The greed of working with a visionary like him is what lured me. With Basu da, I am now discovering my own capabilities, which I have never done before. I have often seen people do several films simultaneously, but I can't do that. My process is to flush out one character, prep for the next and stay in that universe. Even now, I am nervous for Basu da's next. I had cold feet two nights before I started. The night before the shoot I don't sleep. Acting isn't a profession. It's my way of life. You take this away from me and I will be a vegetable at home. The film set is my life; the energy and vibe of the set is my fuel.

Bringing normalcy in same-sex love stories
Rao's latest film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga talks about love between the same sex. Rao says that the only other Indian mainstream movie on homosexuals that impressed him was Kapoor & Sons. "The beauty of the film was that it spoke about same-sex love in a normal way. Post 377, our perception has widened. I had done Aligarh in past, so, I always saw it as normal. Films have an impact in normalising things and I hope parents, who can't stomach that their child is homosexual, are able to see the larger picture," he says.

Cinematographer Kiran Deohans on how they reimagined Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi under Kangana Ranaut's guidance after director Krish left the period drama
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 23, 2019)

After director Krish left Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi to helm NTR Kathanayakudu, cinematographer Kiran Deohans was one of the first people to hop on board the Rani Laxmibai biopic.

Initially skeptical to join a project mid-way amidst his other commitments, the cinematographer credits leading lady and director Kangana Ranaut for his change of heart. "Once I met Kangana, I realised she has complete clarity on the film. I was convinced with her vision for the movie. They [the makers] were also ready to shoot as per my availability," says Deohans, who stepped in for famed director of photography, Gnana Shekar VS.

The biggest challenge was to maintain the period drama's tone while bringing in a fresh perspective. He says that he adhered to Ranaut's vision for the warrior queen's story. "Kangana wasn't convinced with the way she looked in the close-up sequences. So, we reshot them by lighting up the scenes in a different way. We also separately shot some action sequences for the promos. It was crucial to keep the basic colour palette similar so that it doesn't look like a different film altogether. We had to rework more than 50 per cent of the film in two months, which was a Herculean task, but we managed it."

The handing over of the directorial baton wasn't without its share of controversies. Sonu Sood, who was to play Sadashivrao Bhau, recently said that he left the project because he was "disturbed" to see many of his scenes missing from the edit. However, Deohans says that Ranaut is a perfect fit behind the camera. "While we were shooting in Karjat, Kangana was simultaneously shooting for Mental Hai Kya. She juggled the two films with ease. She has done a fantastic job in Manikarnika, and whenever she decides to direct another film, she will do a fine job."

Ranaut too showers praise on Deohans, as she says, "Being a new director, I needed support. Kiran not only fought all the adversities along the way, but also guided me. It's because of him that I could finish the film on time with desirable results."

Actor Rajkummar Rao on riding the ‘content is king’ wave that catapulted him from bit-sized roles to a lead part in one of the year’s most loved films
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 21, 2018)

This has been a year where the Badshahs and Shehenshahs of the Hindi film industry have toppled at the box office. But it is also one where a horror comedy about a small-town tailor who falls for a witch, happens to be the surprise hit of the year. When we meet the film’s 34-year-old lead, Rajkummar Rao, at an Andheri studio, he’s humbled to learn that leading actresses of the day are queuing up to work with him. “The industry is driven by content today and people are respecting the writing part of the process which is the way forward for films to be,” says the actor who will be seen in films such as Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Mental Hai Kya, Made In China and Turram Khan in the following year. Dressed in deliberate casuals, complete with distressed denim and heavy-set glasses, Rao has a hurried manner of someone with a nervous tick. But given the space that he has carved for himself, having proved his mettle in independent films (Trapped, Newton) and commercial entertainers (Bareilly Ki Barfi, Stree) alike, it’s safe to toss the industry cliché and say that he has ‘arrived’.

Rao credits the welcome turn in favour of content-driven cinema for a spike in demand for performance-oriented actors, including him. In fact, while he refuses to name names, there are filmmakers who have rejected him in the past and are now approaching him with new offers. “I have nothing against anybody and I understand that it is a business model. You have to see who you cast at what point based on who can get you what in return.” And while he accepts that the equity attached to him has got a shot in the arm, he insists that little else has changed. “If somebody pays me more money, it’s not like my process changes. I still approach my characters the way I did in LSD,” he says, referring to his debut in Dibakar Banerjee’s experimental troika Love Sex Aur Dhokha. And how exactly does he slip into the skin of his on-screen avatars? “Once you understand where a character comes from, they talk to you,” says Rao, offering an example to illustrate, “So, in Stree, I knew this is a guy who is flamboyant and thinks he is very cool. Then, I just allow them to respond to the circumstances they find themselves in.”

Rao describes the last two years with a monosyllabic response: “phenomenal”. But 2018 began on a shaky note for the actor who played a vicious terrorist mastermind in Hansal Mehta’s Omerta and a bumbling sidekick in the Atul Manjrekar’s Fanney Khan — both failed to impress audiences. But he isn’t too affected by these setbacks. “We all want our films to do well but we never expected Omerta to make (Rs) 100 crore. I was only driven by the greed to play a dark, negative character in a Hansal Mehta movie,” says the actor who has collaborated with the filmmaker in acclaimed films such as Aligarh, CityLights and Shahid and will feature in his next, Turram Khan opposite Nushrat Bharucha. He defends Fanney Khan, saying that it offered a chance to work with the inimitable Anil Kapoor. “He’s a factory of energy and a student of film even today,” he describes the veteran actor. Rao was impressed by Kapoor’s ability to stand-in for his cues while filming Fanney Khan. “He is Anil Kapoor and has a body of work to fall back on but he doesn’t take it easy. He’s like a curious child who wants to learn something new every day and that’s inspiring,” says the actor who lists being more emotional than he’d like to be as one of his weaknesses.

Growing up in a middle-class joint family in Gurgaon, Rao’s earliest association with films was being part of his family’s weekly ritual of collecting in front of the TV set to watch a Hindi film or two on VHS. “It introduced me to a surreal world and I wanted to be a part of it.” He didn’t need to tell us that a healthy dosage of Shah Rukh Khan hits put the “seed of acting” in him. His onscreen tribute to SRK in the scene in Stree where his character mimics the actor in a drunken spur was enough. But it was a dream that took a while to realise. Following theatre gigs in Delhi, graduating from FTII in Pune, Rao bagged his debut in Love Sex Aur Dhoka and a year-and-a-half later, his next important role, Ragini MMS gave him some ground. But only bite-sized parts in films such as Shaitan, Talaash and Gangs Of Wasseypur (GOW) followed. “As an actor, one is always greedy and wants to stay on the screen for as long as possible. But there was always something for me to do in those small parts too.” Moving to Mumbai at first, he remembers, gave him “a sense of freedom and an opportunity to build a life” and even encounters like his association with Anurag Kashyap, his director in GOW, got him a referral for his first crucial lead in Hansal Mehta’s Shahid — a film he credits as his career’s turning point. “It was a biopic made with a lot of passion, but it didn’t get the kind of reception it should have,” he regrets, adding, “In hindsight, post Bareilly, Stree and Newton, people know me now and I get a lot of love on social media as well, so if the film would release today, it would surely do much better.”

Rao’s next, opposite Sonam Kapoor, is another love story set in a small town, his fourth after Behen Hogi Teri, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. And he says he picked the film “just for the story” and Mental Hai Kya because it belonged in a “quirky, edgy space” and because “it’s always fun working with Kangana” [Ranaut]. But the top priority for picking the film remains, whether the story excites him. “Even if it’s an action film, it would have to be the story that would set one apart from the other. It can’t just be about one guy beating up 20 others in every second scene,” he says with a smile.

Few know that Rao’s trained in martial arts but is yet to be seen in an action film. “I like giving a spin to my characters. So, I play a Gujarati in Made In China and while I’ve played one before (in Kai Po Che!), in this one, you can smell Gujarat,” says the actor who isn’t sure if one can bag roles based on networking alone today. “I have never really tried it. But if I have to go and talk to somebody, I will end up talking to them about everything, instead of just asking them about what they are making next.”


The actor as Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in Omerta; A still from Stree

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 20, 2018)

STREE 2
Everyone wants us to spin a sequel of Stree and discussions on the new film are currently on. I am really looking forward to Part 2 of the horror-comedy because the kind of response we have been getting to the film since its release on August 31 is simply overwhelming. People are watching it twice, even thrice and I can’t wait to get back to it .

EK LADKI KO DEKHA TOH AISA LAGA
I feel like I’m a part of Anil (Kapoor, co-star) sir’s family. He showers me with so much love. And Sonam (Kapoor, co-star) is a dear friend. Being on the sets of this film has been wonderful, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. We have just one day of shoot left. And as the tagline goes, it’s a “syaape wali love story”.

SWAGAT HAIN
This film marks yet another reunion with Hansal Mehta sir, who is currently working on the script. It is slated to go on the floors sometime next year. While we are attempting something new with Turram Khan, this one is in a space that we already connect with.

TURRAM KHAN
Turram Khan is a small-town fun film. I think Hansal sir (director and frequent collaborator) is hilarious and I’m glad that he’s finally making a comedy. We share a great rapport; he’s practically family. Nushrat Bharucha (co-star) and I are reuniting eight years after LSD-Love Sex Aur Dhokha. I’ve seen her other work, she’s a fantastic actor. Luv (Ranjan, producer) is known for his great writing and his happy-happy films so it’s a fantastic team coming together.

MENTAL HAI KYA
Shooting for the film is on its final leg presently. It is such a quirky script, I had a lot of fun shooting for it with Kangana (Ranaut, co-star) and the team. The film is scheduled to release next year.

IMLI
Another collaboration with Kangana, this one will roll early next year. Getting to work with (director) Anurag Basu is like a dream come true as I’m a huge fan of his work. The story of Imli is heart-touching and my co-star is a wonderful actor, one of the best in the country today. Working with good actors makes my job easier so I’m always eager to team up with talent like Kangana.

5 WEDDINGS
5 Weddings is a small film that I did a couple of years ago. I have immense respect for our director, Namrata Gujral. She is a wonderful lady.

MADE IN CHINA
The treatment of this film is simple yet different. I’m playing a Gujarati businessman. It’s the story of dreams, aspirations and family ties packaged as a quirky comedy. We are shooting in Ahmedabad and it’s been a lot of fun. Mouni (Roy, co-star) is a dedicated actor. We have shot a couple of scenes together and she takes her work extremely seriously.

LIFE IN A METRO 2
I can’t comment on this now. We’ll talk about it at the right time.

With Vidhu Vinod Chopra demanding re-shoot of portions of sister Shelly Dhar's directorial debut Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Sonam Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao to dedicate weekends to project
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; August 28, 2018)

Shelly Dhar's directorial venture, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, has generated tremendous curiosity since it brings together the father-daughter duo of Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja on screen for the first time. However, with sources suggesting that producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra is not satisfied with the rushes, Sonam and co-star Rajkummar Rao have apparently been asked to reshuffle their other film commitments to accommodate the re-shoot of the drama.

The sudden turn of events has understandably put the actors in a quandary. A source reveals, "Sonam starts shooting for The Zoya Factor today onwards and has allotted bulk dates to the project till the year-end. Rajkummar too is dividing his time between Stree promotions and the shoots of Made In China and Mental Hai Kya."

Their fondness for the filmmaker duo aside, the stars are said to be deeply invested in the project as they believe that the family drama has the potential to strike a chord with the audience.

Eager to see the film shape up in the best way possible, we hear, Sonam and Rao have agreed to dedicate their weekends to it. "Ever since Vidhu sir expressed his reservations about the product, the stars have been trying to reshuffle their dates. It has now been decided that Sonam and Raj will honour their prior commitments through the week and will forgo their day offs over the weekends to shoot the said portions in Mumbai. They are required to allot 15 days, and hope to wrap up the portions by the end of September. If all goes as expected, the film should be able to meet its deadline. But any lapse could see the film missing its release date of February 1."

Anil, who plays the patriarch in the movie, will apparently be able to train his sight on the project only after he has wrapped up his Total Dhamaal shoot in October.

Kangana Ranaut on reuniting with the filmmaker, family dynamics and why she had to take charge of her period drama
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 25, 2018)


Only Kangana Ranaut would dare to take ‘panga’ with kabaddi…
(Laughs) Well, like many sports in our country, kabaddi too has been largely ignored. I played it when I was young, but never took it up on any platform after that. Today, when I watch a match from the sidelines, it never fails to stimulate it. But this story is not just about the sport, Ashwiny (Iyer Tiwari, director) and Nitesh sir (her writer-husband) have also woven in family and children, relationships, values and a job in the Railways into the story which makes it an exciting film for me because this is a world I’ve never known or lived while at the same time it’s the story of every woman with a dream.

I turned vegetarian five years ago, and have been more into yoga than gymming. When Ashwiny tells me about my character’s signature move, I wince and tell her, “Ab meri haddiyan tudwa rahe ho.” But after the physically challenging Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi this seems like a softer film and came to me ready, with even a studio on board. Ashwiny can roll with it tomorrow if I give her the go-ahead.

The film was recently announced with a video of Ashwiny and her actors sharing moments with their families and the tagline “from the team backed by its families”. How much has your own family contributed to your success story?
My family is very emotional and has always been very protective of me, maybe even a little controlling in some ways. I grew up dependant on them till my dream to be an actress and my desire for independence took me away and brought me to Mumbai when I was still in my teens. But films, a busy social life and multiple relationships could not fill the void in my life, and when I was hit by professional lows, the emptiness only grew till my sister, Rangoli, came along and bridged the gap. I was back with my family when I was around 23-24. Now, they are a little more open to what I want to do while I am more sensitive to their needs. We are in a happy space with my sister’s son, Prithviraj, arriving and my brother Akshat getting his pilot licence.

Doesn’t your mother push you to get married and have babies too?
Of course she does, more so now that I am 31, but the family understands that I need a life partner who will be my match in every way so doesn’t push me into making a commitment. Whenever I’ve been in a relationship, even my mind skittles in that direction. But men and women want different things from a relationship. Men are driven by their primal instincts while women are not. They want more than physical gratification and are judged for that by being called ‘clingy’ and ‘needy’. Right now, I am single and not seeing anyone so there’s no maternal instinct and urge to extend my family, I’m happy with the one I have. If God wants me to have more, it will happen when the time is right.

What’s it been like shooting for a film intriguingly titled Mental Hai Kya?
I’ve been wanting to do a film that looks at a situation from two perceptives, objective and subjective... A film that offers two different versions with both being right according to the players concerned. Kanika Dhillon is a fresh writer with unique ideas and has penned an exciting script. The director, Prakash Kovelamudi, has a quirky take of his own to offer and it’s satisfying to be associated with talent that takes you into a different world. And despite the title, it is not a dark or depressing film, it’s trippy. (Smiles) The year did not begin on a significant note, but it’s been good so far.

Yeah, it’s reunited Anurag (Basu) and you eight years after Kites and 12 years after he launched you in Gangster.
What I love about Anu from all those years ago was that as a debutante, when I would face the camera, he would tell me repeatedly, “Kangana, acting kyun kar rahi ho!” I would wonder then why he was saying this when it was my job to act, but now I understand. He taught me what ‘acting’ truly is and I owe my interesting career graph to him. We met again after a long gap during which I have grown as an actress, but with him I’m still a child who has a lot to learn.

As a creative person, Anurag is really special. Jagga Jasoos may not have been everybody’s cup of tea but you can’t accuse him of not taking the leap. He has so many concepts and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I’d do whatever he wanted. I know he doesn’t like sharing the script too early but offered to do it this time. I told him, I didn’t need it. (Smiles) It’s the right time to go back to him and I know Imali will be special.

I was to start rehearsals for Panga in September and kick off Anurag’s film in November but Imali has now been pushed to next year because Manikarnika is priority. I even cancelled a five-six days schedule of Mental Hai Kya in Lonavala, Prakash being considerate and pushing it to a later date, because we have to finish the patchwork on Manikarnika that has come up after the first edit because that film will release first. We underestimated the process every epic goes through.

There have been talks, after it was revealed that you will be taking charge of the period drama with Vijayendra Prasad and Prasoon Joshi as director Krish is busy with the NTR biopic, that you’ve had a fallout with him.
Not true, we speak every day. Krish has another release on January 11, and could give dates only after that. After unveiling the first poster on August 15, we had the choice of coming on Republic Day or Independence Day, 2019. We decided to push for the former. The writers want certain transitional scenes shot before the release, I’ve assured the studio I won’t leave Manikarnika even if it means rescheduling dates and sacrificing personal time.

We don’t want to bring another director on board nor do I want to take away anyone’s credit. It’s a huge responsibility, I broke down the other day. Now, I’ve decided to take it one day at a time and do what I can to the best of my ability. From 8 am to post midnight, I’m consumed by this film. Fortunately, I have a great team with me.

Amidst rumours that she might contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Gurdaspur constituency, Kangana Ranaut says she hopes to serve nation "with focus" some day
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 23, 2018)

When Kangana Ranaut expressed her support for prime minister Narendra Modi, calling him "the rightful leader of the democracy" last month, it quickly led to speculation that the actor was paving the way for a career in politics. Amidst reports that she is under consideration to contest for the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab - a seat that was occupied by the late Vinod Khanna until his demise in April 2017 - the actor says that though she has her hands full with film commitments at the moment, she isn't opposed to the idea of joining politics in the future.

"I am currently in the midst of Manikarnika, Mental Hai Kya and we've just announced Panga. Whenever I decide to take up the path, I will do so with utmost sophistication, dignity and full focus," promises Ranaut, as she discusses her political ambitions in a chat with mid-day. "I'm not a sissy to say politics is too demanding; I have to be extremely selfish to say it isn't my cup of tea," says the actor, presumably alluding to the country's youth that are, more often than not, hesitant to jump on the political bandwagon. "There are nations across the globe where every citizen is trained to join the Army, if need be. We must inculcate that culture here as well. If it comes to me, I should be able to take the lead. Our country's youth is intelligent and fiery, and we should set the right example for them."

Acknowledging that serving the nation is her "dream", Ranaut points out that straddling her career as an artiste and as a leader will not be a feasible idea. She adds that "renouncing everything" is a small price to pay for the nation's greater good. "If I have to be a national servant, I can't have a family or kids, or an alternate career. A politician should be nothing more than a government servant. I can't be an actor with an interest in movies, and at the same time, pursue a future in politics. I don't want any conflict to arise over my service to the nation, not even my family's expectations of me. I have set high standards for myself."