Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha Controversy: Director Mahesh Manjrekar Reacts

Following massive controversy around the allegedly objectionable depiction of women in Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha, director Mahesh Manjrekar has said he "can't be catering" to everyone raising objections with content today. The Marathi film has triggered debate for its controversial representation of women and children in sexually explicit contexts, as per reports.

Earlier this week, a complaint was filed against the makers, including Manjrekar, by an organisation in Mumbai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on charges of obscenity and indecent representation of women. A complaint has also been filed in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against Manjrekar and others.

"Today everyone has an objection against something in every film. We can’t be catering to everyone who has objections," Manjrekar told News18. He added that the film certification board had given his upcoming film an A badge, certifying it was for an adult audience.

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Manjrekar, 63, is known for work that spans the breadth of the Marathi, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil film industries. The veteran is also positioned as an accomplished director with titles like Vaastav and Astitva under his belt, having also received a National Award for the latter. Noted for playing grey or negative characters, Manjrekar's performances in Kaante, Slumdog Millionaire, Arrambam are memorable and critically acclaimed.

Further quoted by Hindustan Times on the controversy surrounding his film that released on January 14, Manjrekar said, "Everyone has the right to object, so I’m okay with that." He refuted allegations that the depictions in his film carry the intent of sensationalism.

Manjrekar added that he will let the producers of the film, who have also been named in the complaint, take a call on the matter.

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Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha is reportedly based on a novel of the same name. The novel was penned by a journalist and Manjrekar said he felt it should be turned into a film. The cast includes Varad Nagwekar, Prem Dharamadhikari, Rohit Haldikar, Kashmera Shah and others.