Rajesh Khattar REACTS to Animal and Kabir Singh being criticised for its misogynistic content: ’60 percent women went to watch the film…’ | – Times of India

Rajesh Khattar recently defended Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal and Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh for being subjected to criticism.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Rajesh addressed the ongoing debate surrounding entertainment, noting that it’s a long-standing issue rather than a new one. While he refrained from saying too much, he expressed that, as an audience, the primary expectation should be to enjoy entertainment for what it is, without overcomplicating the matter.
The actor further expressed that everyone has the right to choose what they wish to watch, and entertainment should remain just that—entertainment. He emphasized that placing a heavy burden on cinema to change society or negatively impact it is unfair. According to Khattar, cinema should not be held accountable for societal issues.
He also emphasised that real-world events are often beyond the scope of any writer’s imagination. He suggested that the current debates on issues in cinema are driven by self-interest, with little effective action taken to address them. Khattar pointed out that meaningful change begins at home, with individuals observing how their family members—like sons and daughters—behave and conduct themselves.

Khattar discussed the success of Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh, noting that the film’s massive box-office earnings—crossing Rs 300 crores—speak for themselves. He pointed out the contrast between criticisms of misogyny and chauvinism in the film and the fact that 60% of the audience were women. This, he argued, shows that the film resonated widely, regardless of the debate surrounding its portrayal of relationships.
Rajesh challenged critics who labeled Kabir Singh as misogynistic, suggesting that those voicing concerns should engage with the women who repeatedly watched the film. He emphasized that these women, who went to see the film multiple times, should be consulted, as their continued patronage contradicts the idea that the film’s portrayal of relationships is offensive.

The senior actor also defended Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor, highlighting that the filmmakers never portrayed the character as ideal. He acknowledged that the character’s traits were dysfunctional, especially within the context of a broken family dynamic. Khattar questioned the backlash, arguing that such stories of dysfunctional families are often prevalent in urban areas, especially in metro cities, and should be allowed to be told without facing undue criticism.
Rajesh stated that when real-life situations are depicted on screen, they often lead to excessive questioning and exaggeration. He mentioned that if real-life events, similar to what’s shown in films, occur, they are often blown out of proportion, with critics overlooking the complexities behind such portrayals.

The actor praised Allu Arjun‘s Pushpa 2 as a highly entertaining film, highlighting its lavish production, impressive performances, and direction. He emphasized that while the film is a prime example of commercial cinema at its best, people often overlook these aspects when they criticize or analyze it.
During the discussion, Rajesh Khattar praised Shahid Kapoor for his impressive growth as an actor, noting that Kapoor has evolved significantly over the years. He described him as an accomplished actor and a big star, highlighting his versatility in playing roles across diverse genres, from historical period dramas to comedies.