On Friday, the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) wrote to CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi, I&B Minister Rajyavardhan Rathod and the Prime Minister’s office complaining about the title of Kangana Ranaut-Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming film Mental Hai Kya, which it deemed discriminatory toward mentally-ill persons. Speaking to us, IPS President Dr. Mrugesh Vaishnav argued that the film’s title and posters were derogatory and violated sections of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. He also demanded that the makers remove the film’s title since it could be used to mock people suffering from mental illnesses.

Responding to the concerns raised by mental health care professionals, producers Balaji Motion Pictures on Saturday issued a statement defending the film’s intentions. The makers insisted that, contrary to allegations, Mental Hai Kya will “encourage people to embrace their individuality and distinctiveness.” They added that the film is a mainstream entertainer that makes “a larger point”.

Read the full statement here - 

To whomsoever it may concern,

A day after the launch of the poster of the upcoming film Mental Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao in the lead, a certain section of the society has taken offense to it. 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.

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 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.