The stir over the title of Balaji Motion Pictures’ upcoming film Mental Hai Kya intensified on Saturday with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) coming out in support of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) against the title and poster of the film.
The Hindu had reported on April 19 about the Indian Psychiatric Society raising “serious objections” to the title of the film, which is slated to release on June 21. In an urgent joint press conference held in New Delhi, the IMA, which is the largest association of physicians and medical students in India, asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to intervene and “get the derogatory title and content censored or modified”.
The IMA and IPS said in a joint statement that “the logic of creativity and freedom of expression do not permit our creative filmmakers to hurt the sentiments of sufferers and caregivers and provoke our youngsters to risk their lives.”
Speaking to The Hindu from New Delhi, Dr. D.R. Rai, dean of IMA Academy of Paramedical Sciences, said that that the IMA objects to the title of the film as it may become a phrase to humiliate persons suffering from psychological illnesses. “We do not understand how the Censor Board has given a go-ahead to the makers for a title as offensive as Mental Hai Kya . Our aim is to give dignity to the patients. Nobody deserves to be deprived of respect or humiliated in society,” Dr. Rai said.
In a statement released on Friday, Balaji Motion Pictures had said that the movie will encourage people to embrace their individuality and distinctiveness. “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,” the statement read.
‘Need to review film’
The IMA has asked the filmmakers to invite representatives of the IMA and IPS to review the film and will be writing to the CBFC, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Department of Social Justice under the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare. “If there are any objectionable scenes, we will request them to cut them. If they are in the interest of society, we will welcome the film,” Dr. Rai said. The IPS also said that they will seek legal opinion in the matter and fight until the very end.
The Bombay Psychiatric Society (BPS) also extended its support to the IMA and the IPS, and said that it may take it up for discussion in its annual general body meeting that is due to take place on Sunday in Mumbai. “The BPS believes that a title like this increases stigma regarding mental illnesses. We are here to destigmatise mental illness and not the opposite. Therefore, filmmakers must give it a thought and change it,” said Dr. Janhavi Kedare, BPS president.
There was no response to The Hindu’s queries from Balaji Motion Pictures as well as CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi till the time of going to press.
