'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' not a propaganda film: Akshay

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Aug 18 2017 | 4:02 PM IST
Akshay Kumar's latest "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" has been dubbed as a 'propaganda film' by some sections but the actor today said there is nothing wrong in raising relevant issues, which even the government is concerned about, through cinema.
Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, the film stars Akshay in the lead role of a man, who tries to win back his wife by building a toilet at his home.
When asked about the criticism of the movie, Akshay told reporters, "If the government is saying the same thing which is good and if you call that a propaganda, then okay we are doing propaganda. I believe building a toilet is extremely important, especially for women," he said.
"I am talking about sanitary pads in 'Padman' and you'll be sad to know that 91 per cent of women don't use it because they can't afford it. To talk about such things and bring them in the forefront isn't propaganda. You want such issues to be highlighted and talked about," said Akshay in a press conference via Skype from London.
The "Rustom" star is happy that "Toilet..." is doing a good business at the box office but he said he is more keen about getting more people to watch the movie than making money.
"At a lot of places the government is screening it. In Haryana, the CM is trying to show the film to the head of villages. Even in some villages in UP, it is being shown. I just got to know even Doordarshan wants to show the film soon because they have a big reach," he said.
"My idea is to grab more eyeballs and not money. That was the whole idea behind the film."
Though Akshay has been a part of socially-relevant films be it "Airlift", "Baby" to "Toilet...", the actor said he doesn't want to get typecast.
"If I like a film I'll do it. I have done a villain's role in 'Robot 2.0'. Then I am doing a sports film 'Gold' which is completely different. I am not just doing social films. Please don't put that tag on me.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 18 2017 | 4:02 PM IST

Next Story