Kiran Rao’s recent release of film, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ has ignited discussions surrounding a particular scene that some speculate could be a subtle jab at Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his controversial films like ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Animal.’ The scene in question features a dialogue that draws parallels to Vanga’s defence of a controversial scene in ‘Kabir Singh,’ reigniting debates on the portrayal of masculinity and femininity in Indian cinema.
In a pivotal moment in ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ the character Manju Maai, portrayed by Chhaya Kadam, recounts her troubled marriage, stating, “A man who loves you has the right to beat you. One day, I exercised my right as well.” This dialogue, delivered with conviction, raises questions about the portrayal of toxic masculinity and the normalization of violence within intimate relationships.
Kiran Rao bodied Sandeep Reddy Vanga😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ptNhLEtVQl
— Gokul (@okok_coolcool) April 28, 2024
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, in an interview defending his film ‘Kabir Singh,’ stated, “If you can’t touch your woman, wherever you want, and if you can’t slap, you can’t kiss, you can’t use cuss words. I don’t see the emotion there.” This assertion parallels the sentiment expressed in the scene from ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ prompting discussions about the depiction of masculinity, femininity, and power dynamics in Indian cinema.
Kiran Rao’s Previous Remarks on Toxic Behaviour
Prior to the release of ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ Kiran Rao voiced concerns about the glorification of toxic behaviour and stalking in Bollywood films, without explicitly naming ‘Kabir Singh’ or any specific movie. Her critique highlighted the need for responsible storytelling and ethical considerations in cinematic narratives, particularly concerning the portrayal of gender dynamics.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Response to Kiran Rao
In response to Kiran Rao’s remarks, Sandeep Reddy Vanga indirectly defended his work, citing examples from other films, including Aamir Khan’s ‘Dil.’ He stated, “Today morning, my AD showed me an article. It is of the second ex-wife of a superstar. She is saying that films like Bahubali 2 and Kabir Singh promote misogyny and stalking. I think she does not know the difference between stalking and approaching. When people read these things out of context, they tend to agree. This is entirely wrong.”
He further referenced a song from ‘Dil,’ saying, “Main kehna chahunga uss aurat ko ki jaake Aamir Khan ko pucho Khambe jaisi khadi hai, Ladki hai ya fuljhari hai woh kya tha? Then come back to me.”
The dialogue in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s defence of ‘Kabir Singh’ sheds light on the complexities of addressing sensitive themes in cinema. As debates continue to unfold, it’s evident that the portrayal of toxic relationships and gender dynamics remains a contentious issue within the industry. Kiran Rao’s deliberate jibe and Vanga’s response serve as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding ethical storytelling and social responsibility in Bollywood.
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