'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway': Norwegian Ambassador says the film has factual inaccuracies

Norwegian Ambassador to India Hans Jacob Frydenlund believes that film ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’ has factual inaccuracies and called it a 'fictional representation' of the real life case in which the children of NRI parents were placed in the care of Norway's child welfare services.

Hans said that film points to cultural differences as the primary factor in the case and that is ‘completely false.’ In his article for The Indian Express, he categorically denied that feeding with hands and sleeping in the same bed as parents would be the reason for placing children in alternative care in Norway.

He goes on to write, 'Yes, we have different cultural practices. Yes, we might have different parenting traditions in Norway. But our human instincts are not different. A mother’s love in Norway is no different from a mother’s love in India.'

‘Given Rani Mukerji's acting prowess it is difficult to remain unmoved by it, and movie-goers might come out thinking of Norway as an uncaring country. But as the Norwegian Ambassador to India, it is important for me to present the official Norwegian perspective and correct factual inaccuracies that this film unfortunately portrays. The case that the movie is inspired by was resolved a decade ago in cooperation with Indian authorities and an agreement between all the parties involved. This movie is a fictional representation of the case,’ he wrote.

He also added, ‘I sincerely hope this movie will not discourage Indians from coming to Norway. I hope this film will be seen for what it is and I trust in the viewers to understand that this is a fictional representation. For those involved, there is no denying that the experience was traumatic.’

The film is directed by Ashima Chibber. It stars Rani Mukerji in the lead role. ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’ released on March 17 and is based on the life of an immigrant mother who is struggling and fighting to get the custody of her children. The film also stars Neena Gupta, Jim Sarbh and Anirban Bhattacharya.