Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s take on the Mirza-Sahiban legend of Punjab was criticised when Mirzya released earlier this year. The film and its filmmaker were accused of a one-dimensional interpretation of the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, and of using stereotypical depictions of women to further the plot.
Now, the director, has finally opened up about the film’s failure.
“This film’s subject wasn’t an easy one to tackle. It was a new narrative altogether. But now that we are past the release, I feel more empowered. When I speak of the nature of this film, it has made me a stronger person. I chose to follow the path my instinct told me to,” he told Hindustan Times.
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He said, “I make films to express myself and I make them the way I know them. Yes, you win some, you lose some. But the key is to keep working hard. With the kind of beats that I take up with my films, you can call me ‘Un-Bollywood’.”
Mirzya marked the acting debut of Harshvardhan Kapoor, son of actor Anil Kapoor, and Saiyami Kher, niece of Shabana Azmi. Both actors failed to make an impression onscreen, with only Pawel Wyllus’ camerawork winning praise.