Ahead of release, Richa Chadha's 'Madam Chief Minister' receives flak
What's the story
Bollywood actor Richa Chadha's upcoming film Madam Chief Minister, which claims to follow the tale of an "untouchable who rises to the top," has come under fire after the poster of the political drama was released on Monday. The film has drawn criticism for alleged caste appropriation and stereotyping the Dalit community. However, Richa has defended the movie. Here's more on this.
Details
The first look poster was released on Monday
The first look poster, which features Richa in a never-seen-before avatar, shows the actor sporting a pixie hairstyle with bruises on her face. She is seen wearing a loose t-shirt and holding a broom in her hands. Richa had shared the poster of the upcoming political drama on social media, on Monday. The poster also has the tag line "Untouchable, Unstoppable" written on it.
Criticism
Why is the poster facing backlash?
The poster has faced heavy criticism with many people calling out the alleged regressive portrayal of the Dalit community. Many Twitter users have expressed anger over an upper-class woman playing the lead role. Others have slammed the use of a broom in the poster, saying that it stereotypes the community. Some also said it is wrong to use the word "untouchable."
Information
Film believed to be based on former UP CM Mayawati
Since the film is believed to be based on the life of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, many Twitter users have also pointed out that she has a degree in science and even worked as a teacher before joining politics.
Response
Richa has responded to the criticism surrounding the poster
Meanwhile, Richa has addressed the criticism surrounding the poster which has left many users disappointed. The actor replied to several tweets criticizing her movie and tried to clear the air around it. Responding to one of the tweets, she clarified that Madam Chief Minister is not based on the life of Mayawati, writing, "Thank you, However, film is not based on her (sic)."
Twitter Post
This as humiliating as it can get, a user opined
You really need to know untouchability means. It's not an aesthetic. This as humiliating as it can get. Please take this off. There's scope for better content. Thanks!!
— Hoejack Borseman (@cokemanu20) January 4, 2021
Twitter Post
The criticism is misdirected and premature: Richa
People that haven't the faintest clue about how films are made, cast, promoted lampooning an actor is what's downright ridiculous Sid.The criticism is misdirected and premature.Gaslight I did not.Bring me down from the pedestal, I don't need the burden of these expectations. https://t.co/sxq3cx75n4
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2021
Twitter Post
'Watch the film or at least the trailer'
Am so sorry to have failed your woke agni-pariksha. Sorry to disappoint you, that me of all people can disagree with you on certain aspects of cancel-culture. Again, watch the film or at least the trailer? For we do become what we hate quite easily sometimes... https://t.co/lyNqGP3ZaZ
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2021
Film
A brief about the film
Written and directed by filmmaker Subhash Kapoor, the movie also features actors Manav Kaul, Saurabh Shukla, Akshay Oberoi, and Shubhrajyoti in pivotal roles. The film was shot in Lucknow in a 40-day-long schedule in late 2019. For the unversed, it was originally slated to be released on July 17, 2020, but had to be delayed owing to the coronavirus pandemic.