Why Jaya Bachchan would never watch Akshay Kumar's 'Toilet'
What's the story
Veteran actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has publicly slammed Akshay Kumar's 2017 film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, meant to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Speaking to India TV in a recent interview, she said she disapproved of the film's title and wondered how it was appropriate.
"Just look at the title of the film; I would never go to watch a film with such a name. Yeh, koi naam hai? Is that really a name?"
Disappointment
Bachchan also declared the film a 'flop'
Further, Bachchan questioned the audience's interest in watching a film with such a title. "Among so many people, hardly four want to watch the film; it's very sad. Yeh toh flop hai (It is a flop)."
Notably, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, starring Bhumi Pednekar, was based on a real-life incident, where a woman left her husband due to lack of toilet facilities at home.
Box office
'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' was a commercial success
Despite Bachchan's remarks, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha proved to be an enormous commercial hit, raking in ₹134.22 crore at the Indian box office alone. The film also fared well in China and was lauded for its strong social message by international personalities like Bill Gates.
Likewise, Kumar's 2018 film Padman, which dealt with menstrual hygiene awareness, was also well-received, earning over ₹191 crore at the box office.
Controversies
Netizens believe films with social messages should be promoted
Bachchan's latest remarks have ignited a debate among netizens and Kumar fans, who believe films with social messages should be promoted, not shunned.
An outspoken personality herself, Bachchan has always made headlines for her fiery comments and strong political opinions.
She was last seen as Dhanalakshmi Randhawa in Karan Johar's romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.