Mukesh Khanna, famous for his legendary roles in Mahabharat and Shaktimaan, recently stirred up social media backlash with comments he made while reviewing the film Kalki 2898 AD on his YouTube channel. While Khanna praised the film’s production quality and performances, giving it high marks for its scale, he expressed doubts about how some Indian audiences, particularly in Bihar and Odisha, might receive it. He speculated that these audiences might struggle with the film’s “intellectual,” Hollywood-style approach, even suggesting that Western audiences have a “higher intellect” by comparison. These remarks did not sit well with many online, who quickly labeled his comments as elitist and dismissive. Critics highlighted that states like Bihar and Odisha are rich in culture and have produced many accomplished historical and scientific figures, such as Pathani Samanta and Aryabhata. They also argued that sci-fi films have broad appeal throughout India, pointing to movies like Endgame and Robot, which found success across regions and effectively challenge Khanna’s assumptions. The controversy around Khanna’s remarks has sparked wider discussions about inclusivity in Indian cinema, as well as the stereotypes often associated with certain regions. It’s a reminder that public figures need to be mindful of how their statements can come across, particularly when they touch on issues that affect diverse communities.
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