Akshay’s Team Gives a Strong Reply to Jaya Bachchan for Calling Toilet: Ek Prem Katha a Bad Film

.
.
.

Jaya Bachchan’s Controversial Remarks on “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” Spark Heated Reactions

Recently, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan stirred a significant controversy with her comments on the 2017 film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. During a media interaction, she made a statement that caught the attention of netizens, critics, and even the film’s makers. Jaya Bachchan, when asked about the film, expressed her disinterest in watching it, claiming that the title itself sounded unappealing. She remarked, “Is Toilet: Ek Prem Katha even a film? Just hearing its name, I wouldn’t even consider watching it.” Her words ignited a firestorm of reactions, especially on social media.

What followed was a series of back-and-forth comments between Jaya Bachchan and the film’s team, who felt disrespected by the veteran actress’s statements. According to sources, Bachchan not only dismissed the film’s title but also went a step further to suggest that the film would be a failure. “When people aren’t interested in watching a film, it will surely flop,” she said. Ironically, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which starred Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, was a massive success, earning accolades for both its social message and box-office performance.

The Response from “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” Makers

The makers of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha didn’t take Jaya Bachchan’s comments lightly and responded with their own statement. Producer Prerna Arora, who was behind the film, expressed her disappointment at the way Bachchan had criticized a movie that had achieved great success. In an interview, Arora said, “It saddens me to hear that Jaya Bachchan has called our film a flop. She doesn’t seem to know that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was the highest-grossing film of 2017. Before labeling it as a flop, she should have considered the film’s business and box-office success.”

Arora continued by acknowledging that there were indeed some initial reservations about the film’s title, but the team took a bold risk. “When we were working on the film, we did have some doubts about the title, but cinema is about taking risks. We decided to name the film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, keeping in mind the story’s unique and socially relevant message. And look at the results – the film was a huge commercial success,” Arora explained.

Social Media Backlash Against Jaya Bachchan

The reaction on social media to Jaya Bachchan’s comments was swift and intense. Fans of the film took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, expressing their anger at her remarks. Some users even questioned whether Jaya Bachchan had seen the movie at all before passing judgment on it. “You didn’t even watch the movie, and yet you’re calling it a flop? Just because it’s not your type of film doesn’t mean it’s bad,” one Twitter user wrote. Others brought up the success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, highlighting how it resonated with audiences and became a critical conversation starter about sanitation in rural India.

Some even pointed out the irony of Bachchan’s comments, referencing her own films that had received mixed reactions. “You’ve seen your son Abhishek Bachchan’s films, right? And now you have the audacity to dismiss Akshay Kumar’s work? That’s hypocrisy,” another social media user remarked. The debate escalated, with some defending Jaya Bachchan, claiming she was entitled to her opinion, while others lashed out at her for being out of touch with current trends in cinema.

Prerna Arora’s Remarks on Jaya Bachchan’s Career

In her statement, Prerna Arora didn’t hold back when mentioning Jaya Bachchan’s own career. Arora subtly reminded Bachchan that she too had taken risks in her career. “Jaya Bachchan herself has experimented with her roles in the past. She once acted in a movie called Dusri Sita where she portrayed a character with a very bold and unconventional storyline. This was a film that took on serious issues as well, but many people didn’t understand it at the time,” Arora pointed out. She suggested that perhaps Jaya Bachchan had not watched Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which could explain her criticism.

Arora also emphasized that the film’s success was not solely due to its star power but because of its timely and socially relevant content. The film, which focused on the issue of open defecation in rural India, managed to spark a national conversation about sanitation and the importance of building toilets in rural homes. Its positive social impact was as much a reason for its success as its commercial performance.

What the Film Meant for Indian Cinema

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was more than just a typical Bollywood rom-com; it was a film with a message. The film’s storyline centered around the love story of a couple who struggle to build a toilet in their rural village, a reflection of the challenges faced by many people in India who still lack access to basic sanitation. The film’s lighthearted approach to a serious issue allowed it to resonate with a wide audience, from rural to urban, and it managed to entertain while educating.

Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of a man who fights against societal norms to build a toilet for his wife struck a chord with audiences, making the film one of the most talked-about releases of 2017. The film’s success also led to increased awareness and governmental initiatives aimed at improving sanitation facilities in rural areas. The success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha wasn’t just measured by its box office collections but also by the impact it had on raising awareness about sanitation issues.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Cinema and Perspective

Jaya Bachchan’s comments on Toilet: Ek Prem Katha have certainly sparked a debate on the nature of cinema, its evolving audience, and the risks filmmakers take in the process of telling unique and bold stories. While her opinion was candid and blunt, it’s clear that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha achieved remarkable success despite initial skepticism surrounding its title and premise.

The response from the film’s makers, especially Prerna Arora, highlighted the importance of recognizing a film’s cultural and commercial impact before making judgments. It’s also a reminder that films, like all art forms, are subjective, and what might not appeal to one person could be meaningful and impactful for others. Ultimately, the success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a testament to the changing landscape of Indian cinema, where bold, socially relevant films can find both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Play video: