PremiumAnupam Kher on Hansal Mehta's criticism of The Accidental Prime Minister: 'You cannot abandon the ship'; filmmaker has THIS to say
Hansal Mehta views criticism of The Accidental Prime Minister as a learning moment, while Anupam Kher defends his performance in the film.
Last Updated: 04.55 PM, Dec 28, 2024
While Anupam Kher, who portrayed former prime minister Manmohan Singh, voiced his disapproval of Hansal Mehta's critical assessment of the 2019 film The Accidental Prime Minister, the filmmaker remained firm in his position. After Dr. Singh's death on December 26, 2024, the film about his time regained its prominence and sparked a new conversation.
Vir Sanghvi's criticism and Hansal Mehta's agreement
Journalist Vir Sanghvi initiated the debate by tweeting that rewatching The Accidental Prime Minister would help recall the lies spread about Manmohan Singh. In addition to being one of the worst Hindi films ever, it shows how the media can shame a positive person. Responding with "+100," the film's creative producer, Mehta, sparked outrage.
Anupam Kher's response to Hansal Mehta
Kher responded to Mehta's acceptance of the critique by stating that a creative director has no business openly criticising their own work. In an interview with HT City, the veteran actor stated that they have plenty of time to discuss it. They can both respond. The important thing is that Mehta spent 35 days on set as the film's creative director. Professional compensation for his work obligates him to remain on board, irrespective of the ship's fate. Kher added that Mehta has to own up to his work.
The actor stated that Sanghvi's comment was made and that Mehta doesn't need to give a "100%" response to something he could have stopped filming and stated wasn't working. Kher doesn't believe he should proceed in this manner. The filmmaker had the book-based idea from the beginning, so he could have made a different choice.
Hansal Mehta's defense of his position
As for Mehta, he stood by both his triumphs and his faults, defending his position. He told the portal that the same holds true for the decisions he has made in the past; he takes full responsibility for them. Nevertheless, it is within his right to contemplate his actions, think things through, and recognise his mistakes when he looks back. Sometimes a professional must perform their duties even when they feel unprepared or uncontrollable. In the future, Mehta would like to make better decisions by reflecting on his past ones.
According to him, Mr. Kher was irritated because he agreed with another senior journalist who criticised the film. Although it was unneeded and ill-timed, it did restate some of his thoughts. Because of his senior status, the filmmaker will not engage in name-calling or slander directed against Kher or his views. Even though they may disagree on some things, his positive attitude and dedication made working with him a pleasure. However, Mehta asserted that he is inherently self-critical, a trait he has consistently demonstrated. This allows the filmmaker to progress and evolve, a process that is unstoppable by anything or anyone.
Anupam Kher's final thoughts on the film
Despite praising the film and his performance in it, Kher disagreed with Sanghvi's assessment and deemed the comments' timing in inadequate taste. Although he disagreed with Sanghvi's viewpoint, he nonetheless made his point. Despite the film's superb production and faithfulness to the source material, the actor still considers it one of his finest performances ever. Kher went on to say that for India's economy, Singh accomplished much. It is inappropriate to criticise a film that came out four years ago as a tribute because it lacks decorum.
The Accidental Prime Minister is available to stream on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).