Bollywood veteran and Member of Parliament, Jaya Bachchan, recently voiced her opinion on films handling social issues during the India TV She Conclave 2025. When asked about movies made to promote government and social initiatives, such as Akshay Kumar‘s Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Padman, she was candid in her assessment.
Jaya Bachchan made it clear she does not favor films with titles like Toilet Ek Prem Katha, questioning the suitability of the name. “Toilet Ek Prem Katha, yeh koi naam hai? Yeh koi title hai?” she asked the audience, openly wondering who would watch a film with such a distinctive title. Her question led to a show of hands that saw only a few attendees acknowledging any interest in the film.
Calling the lack of interest ‘sad,’ Bachchan declared the film a flop. Her remarks highlighted a broader critique of the film industry, noting the influence of political parties in funding creative projects. Adding to her message, she expressed concern over the challenges faced by artists when political entities scrutinize their work and creative freedom.
Toilet Ek Prem Katha, starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, was released with the intention of supporting the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative. Despite the movie’s social message, Bachchan criticized the trends where political motivations overshadow creativity. “Aaj kal toh political parties bhi films bana rahi hai,” she mentioned, drawing attention to the pressure politics can exert on filmmakers.
Jaya Bachchan also elaborated on an ongoing issue in the film fraternity, namely the concern over creative expression amid fears of political or judicial repercussions. “Aapke ghar k bahar ED aa jaye…ye headache rahe, aap creatiity kya karenge,” she said, reflecting on how these worries might stifle creativity among filmmakers. Standing firm, she claimed she speaks without fear despite these challenges, but acknowledged the constant problem nagging other celebrities.
As discussions continue over the effectiveness of politically motivated films, Jaya Bachchan’s fierce critique introduces a provocative angle on the impact of Akshay Kumar’s Toilet Ek Prem Katha, fueling further debate about its influence and significance in India’s cinematic landscape. Her participation in the event, alongside Priyanka Chaturvedi, promises to inspire more conversations on how films affect political and social narratives.
