Akshay Kumar thanks critics of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha in video

Akshay Kumar has posted a video thanking all his fans, critics and even those who felt that the film was a means to get in the good books of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the actor, irrespective of the commercial aspect, he is proud that through his film, he has been able to address a relevant social issue of open defecation. 

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has enjoyed a good run at the box office thus far, garnering aroud Rs82 crore nett in first five days of release. 

“I’d like to thank those critics who were critical of my movie yet had one positive thing to write about the film. I’d like to thank each state government, irrespective of which party they belonged to, who thought of getting rid of open defecation. I’d even like to thank those people who felt that I was carry out the government’s propaganda. But the same person laughed, and cheered the film.  Our aim was to highlight the social problem and its solution, Claps or jeers, it’s immaterial, we’ve succeeded in our goal,” Kumar said in the video.

While there has been no criticism of Kumar from any political party, a certain section of the media reported that perhaps Kumar has become a favourite with the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party. 

“On one hand, when we have a lot of thespians and artists openly criticising the Modi regime and the growing intolerance in India, the flip side consists of a slew of famous actors who are building an image that aligns a lot with the ruling government,” wrote DailyO.in in its article titled 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha Trailer Is Proof Akshay Kumar Wants To Be The Ultimate National Hero'.

The report also pointed out towards the unexpected decision to award the National Award for Best Actor to Akshay Kumar for Rustom (2016), when there were perhaps better choices. 

“Barely a month ago, Akshay Kumar was given the best actor award for Rustom at the 64th National Film Awards, when there were clearly better contenders with from better movies with far superior acting abilities. But of course, Rustom had him waltzing around in a naval officer’s uniform, so that does the trick,” wrote DailyO.in. 

Meanwhile, in the video, Kumar also thanked fellow actor Hrithik Roshan, who’s didn’t mind the Toilet: Ek Prem Katha makers using his poster (advertisement) in the film. 

“I’d like to thank my good friend Hrithik Roshan I won’t delve into the reasons. Those who have seen the film will know it, those who haven’t will find out once they watch the film,’ Kumar added.