Indian Psychiatric Society takes offence to Mental Hai Kya posters, makers defend film

Mental Hai Kya, starring Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, has run into trouble with the Indian Psychiatric Society.

Members of the society on Friday sent out a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking a change in the film's title since it is 'discriminating and stigmatizing' to people facing mental health issues.

The makers have already released quite a few quirky posters of the film, the most recent one being a poster of the two lead artistes balancing a razor blade on their tongues.

The society in its letter to the CBFC wrote: 'We take serious objection to the title of the movie which is discriminative, stigmatising, degrading, inhumane in projecting mental disorders and people who suffer from mental disorders.' 

The society went further to demand that the makers change the title to ensure that such discrimination is not furthered through the film. 

Ranaut had previously admitted to having gone through depression herself in her early days in the film industry. 

In response to the criticism, the makers put out a statement where they defended the film.

In their statement, they said, "They have felt that the title of the movie is discriminating against people who are battling mental issues. On the contrary, the makers of the film believe that their movie, Mental Hai Kya, will encourage people to embrace their individuality and distinctiveness." 

The statement added, "Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures, Mental Hai Kya, starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, 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 feature film meant to entertain audiences and does not offend, discriminate [against] or disregard any person. In fact the film is a mainstream entertainer which makes a larger point." 

Mental Hai Kya, directed by Prakash Kovelamudi, is scheduled for a 21 June release.