"That joke I find hilarious because I also felt it.”
Alia Bhatt has addressed the criticism that Brahmastra has received for the way in which Alia’s character Isha is portrayed.
The film stars Alia and Ranbir Kapoor (Shiva) and it has been a box office hit.
However, reviews have been mixed and one of the biggest criticisms has been the character of Isha.
Even though she is meant to be a major character, she has a lack of dialogue and when she does speak, it usually involves shouting Shiva’s name.
Many viewers have stated that Isha exists just to enable Shiva’s origins.
But others have mocked the character, posting memes and impressions on social media.
Alia Bhatt has now spoken about the poorly written role, admitting that during the making of Brahmastra, she pointed it out to director Ayan Mukerji.
She explained: “So, two things. About the Shiva thing, I find it hilarious because I myself made that joke. I told Ayan, ‘People can literally play a drinking game based on the number of times I have said Shiva in the film’.
“That joke I find hilarious because I also felt it.”
Alia went on to talk about Dimple Kapadia’s role, who has a brief appearance in Brahmastra.
She continued: “Coming to the arc part of it, I know the larger thought that Ayan has in mind for each and every character that you have seen in Brahmastra: Part One.
“You have to understand that it has been conceptualised as a trilogy.
“I take it as a compliment that people want to see me, but you also have to see the timing at which Brahmastra was conceptualised, which was in 2014-2015, you have to understand, when I came into the picture, I barely had any films.
“Now, post that, I have had so many films that I have led, so people who like my work will always feel a certain protectiveness about how much I’m doing.”
Similar to Alia’s explanation, Ayan had previously said:
“It could be people who come in with the baggage of having seen her in Gangubai and other stuff.”
“I have also heard people say something which seems superficial, ‘Oh Alia looks so pretty in this film’.
“That happy, joyful girl in love – simple as it seems – is a part that Alia has not got the opportunity to play.”
Brahmastra was released on September 9, 2022, having been announced in 2017.
The long time in production was due to the large-scale visual effects and several pandemic-related delays.
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