'Mardaani 2' director Gopi Puthran opens up on Kota controversy, says never intended to hurt the sentiments

Days after the protest by Kota residents, the director of the film Gopi Puthran has clarified his stand on the issue concerning 'Mardaani 2'.

Pic Courtesy: Movie Still

New Delhi: Talented B-Town actress Rani Mukerji is back with 'Mardaani 2' and will be reprise her role of tough cop Shivani Shivaji Rao. The trailer was unveiled a few days back and it received a warm response from the viewers. 

However, Kota residents protested against the use of their city's name in the movie which shows how a serial sexual offender rapes and kills innocent girls in the city. Rani as a cop sets out on a mission to nab him down in two days. 

Days after the protest, the director of the film Gopi Puthran has clarified his stand. 

Gopi Puthran said, “Mardaani 2 addresses a huge societal issue of rape and the rise of horrific crimes committed by juveniles in India. One is deeply moved when such shocking incidents happen and as a writer, I wanted to voice this issue and bring to light a terrible reality that today’s India and its youth faces. I was troubled by many, many incidents that took place across our country in the last four years and the complex nature of those crimes left me shocked and perplexed. As a human being, I felt fear after reading about these incidents because it could happen to my family or people that I know and I wanted to do my bit to make as many people aware of the threat posed by nameless, faceless, young and underage boys who are resorting to such violence."

He added more, "Mardaani 2 has been inspired by all such incidents that rocked the country and left us all scarred. Despite all the inspirations, Mardaani 2 at the end of the day is a film and not a documentary and it should be seen as that. Kota has been used by us as the setting for this film only. We are, in no way, suggesting that such events or incidents happen in Kota and there was no intention to tarnish the reputation of the city. If this has hurt or upset the sentiments of residents of the city, we are deeply regretful. We realise that since the trailer says it’s ‘Inspired By True Events’ and our film is based in Kota, it could be open to miscommunication. YRF has decided that we will remove the words ‘Inspired By True Events’ from the film to ensure that there is no further room for misinterpretation for anyone. We shot Mardaani 2 extensively in Kota and we only received love and warmth and huge cooperation from the people and all the authorities of the city. This gesture is YRF’s mark of respect to Kota and it’s wonderful people.”

'Mardaani 2' is a sequel to 2014 release 'Mardaani' and is produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films banner. It has been written and directed by Gopi Puthran. The film will hit the screens on December 13, 2019.