Akshay Kumar’s Laxmii centers around his character getting possessed by the ghost of a transgender person. The trailer has already been a point of discussion as people wanted to boycott the movie and it has been in troubled waters ever since. A mainstream Bollywood film has never been made before with a transgender as the focus and people have an issue with Akshay playing the part. 

The filmmakers held a special premiere in the Capital recently for the transgender community. Transgender rights activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi was touched by how Akshay played the role and represented the whole community. In an interview with Hindustan Times, transgender rights activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi gave three arguments for people who are spreading negativity against the movie.

1. She talked about how she acted in so many movies and no one watched it. She questioned how people are writing so many negative things about the movie without watching it. “Some publications are opposing it, and putting up articles against it. How much do they know about reality? I am really shocked. What do you mean by that? There are many films I also acted in, nobody bought it, it’s a business. Without seeing a film, on the eve of its release, these articles are being written. I have seen the film.” 

2. She also added that people from her community as old as 60 have loved the movie and appreciated the filmmakers for at least initiating the dialogue. She said, “Those trans women have to lead their life full of stigma in this country, and if she feels this way about the film… the problem is, if you even look at the business, nobody directs a film (on this). After the Supreme Court verdict (in 2018, it struck down article 377), many things were written. My first comment right now would be to watch the film first.”

3. She said that the film sends out a positive message and gives transgenders an equal platform. “Any transgender is equal to any man or woman, which comes out from the film in a very strong way. I believe it is wonderful, and instead of criticism, we should appreciate Akshay Ji for being such a strong man and doing such a strong film,” she added.

The film is now airing on Disney+ HotStar . Are you planning to watch it?

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