Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has found himself at the center of a heated debate after publicly praising the romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the film has been celebrated for its box office success—crossing the Rs 20 crore mark in just three days and holding strong against competitors like Thamma—it’s also drawn sharp criticism for its portrayal of gender dynamics. Mehta’s tweet congratulating director Milap Zaveri sparked a firestorm, with one user accusing him of hypocrisy, labeling the film ‘misogynistic’ and claiming it sends harmful messages to young audiences. And this is the part most people miss: Mehta didn’t back down. Instead, he responded with a thought-provoking defense, questioning whether films—even those with problematic themes—can truly ‘poison’ minds. He pointed to classics like The Godfather and Pulp Fiction, asking, ‘If films can poison, then surely they can enlighten too?’ His stance raises a bold question: Can we separate a film’s artistic success from its moral implications? Harshvardhan Rane’s return to the screen after the re-release of his beloved film Sanam Teri Kasam has been a triumph, but this controversy adds a complex layer to the conversation. Mehta’s argument challenges us to consider the role of cinema in society—is it a mirror reflecting our flaws, or a tool for change? What do you think? Is it fair to criticize a filmmaker for praising a colleague’s success, or should art be judged solely on its impact? Let’s debate—agree or disagree, the comments are open!
