‘Thank You For Coming’: Rhea Kapoor slams trade journalist for allegedly posting hate speech against her

Bhumi Pednekar and Shehnaaz Gill starrer ‘Thank You For Coming’, which was released in theatres on October 6, has received mixed reviews from the audience and critics alike. But a section of the audience has expressed their disappointment with the film’s subject.

Now, producer Rhea Kapoor has shared her thoughts on misogynistic comments against her and her co-producers by a trade journalist, whom she chose not to name.

She wrote, ‘I’ve never read trade websites nor have they ever informed the films I choose to make. However, it has come to my attention that one so-called ‘credible’ trade journalist has been posting dangerous hate speech against myself and my co-producers. Admitting that he hasn’t seen the film, he’s angered by our message- Women’s rejection of shame. Stating that these stories have no place in ‘Hindi cinema’, he spews misogynistic rhetoric and encourages violence against us.’

She continued, ‘I was told to pay no attention to the ravings of an obviously unstable individual. So, you can imagine my disappointment when I learn that this person actually has some impact on the way our industry feels. How are we ok with this? Not just ok, we’re subscribing to it. Inspite of men like him, I cannot emphasise enough how much it means to me to have this film out there, loved and watched. The intent of this film was clear from the very beginning. To reject shame, reject your past traumas and embrace yourself just as you are. I won’t walk this tightrope of what society is comfortable with me being anymore and for your sake, I hope you don’t either. Thank you for coming.’

‘Thank You For Coming’ is a coming-of-age comedy that follows the story of Kanika Kapoor, a single woman in her 30s, and her quest for true love and pleasure.

The film marks the directorial debut of Rhea’s husband Karan Boolani. It is written by Radhika Anand and Prashasti Singh. Apart from Bhumi and Shehnaaz, the film also stars Kusha Kapila, Dolly Singh, and Shibani Bedi in pivotal roles.

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