The trailer release of the Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut starrer also saw the announcement of a new title. By Team Viva
Judgmental Hai Kya already had the audience biting their nails, and the anticipation was finally put on brake as the makers of Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer unveiled the trailer. It was unveiled simultaneously in Delhi by Rao and in Mumbai by Ranaut. The film revolves around a murder mystery, where both actors are framed as prime suspects. It promises to be a joyful ride with a dash of craziness. Ranaut plays Bobby while Rao ventures into the role of Keshav, so the film is bound to keep the audience intrigued.
Initially named Mental Hai Kya, which faced massive backlash. The change of the title, catalysed by criticism from Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), was welcomed without a hint of reluctance. Rao said at the Delhi launch, “I was totally up for it. There are some people who had problems with it. We respect their emotions. And if changing the title will brings some change in the society, we are more than happy to do that.” He also shared that there were other titles up for consideration, but the present one was deemed most relevant. “Judgmental was the only title that was going with the film. There were a lot of others like sentimental, temperamental but we thought this one was the best.”
When questioned about how controversies before a film’s release can provoke curiosity, Rao said that the reason people watch a film is because of the trailer. “If they connect with the trailer, and like the actors or the makers, they would come and watch the film, and not for any other reason.”
The actor who has also worked with Kangana Ranaut in Queen, talked about the chemistry that they share on screen. “She is a really good actress and we both support each other with out improvisations. We try to bring out every scene in the best way possible.” He was also quick to dismiss rumours about Ranaut finding his acting better during the shoot which led to his scenes being re-shot and said, “We worked like a big team, one big family. Our goal was to make a good film.”
While people were already intrigued by the title and the first look, the trailer further peaked their curiosity. “It’s a story about a lot of things. It’s about stalking, obsession, love, passion, deceiving and about what’s false, and what’s true.” Rao is an enthusiastic fan of thrillers like Gone Girl and Who Done What, and said, “I thoroughly enjoyed playing Keshav. This is the first time that I am doing a film like this, and Prakash is a very sensible and an amazing filmmaker. The way he handled the characters and the design of the film, it’s one of its kind.”
Rao’s name is synonymous with versatility and for taking up roles that are unprecedented. Since this is yet another character which is a far cry from stereotypes, he engaged in a lot of sessions with the filmmaker while preparing for it. “There are many avatars to my character. Both my director and writer helped me a lot with how people would imagine it.” His character, Keshav is seen saying something while his mind wheeling on another parallel, it’s deeply layered. “As an actor that’s what I want — to play characters that are challenging and not straight-forward.”
Never the one to be placed in a box, he is experimental and plays roles which have divergent persona. He says it’s a great time to be acting in the industry right now. “The kind of content we are creating, the kind of stories we are telling, we have fantastic filmmakers.” He mentions that these days there is freedom to play with one’s identity and that if the film is relatable people would definitely watch it. “I want to be known as an actor who tries different things and is not stuck with one image.”
While the film is a work of fiction, he says that people who are often misunderstood are being celebrated through the film. There are some people who are pushed to the periphery of the society because of the way they think. The film tries to “celebrate their shortcomings”.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar