'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' director says film 'holds mirror to society', deals homosexuality with humour

Ayushmann Khurrana currently has audiences excited about his upcoming film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan for not only its effort to discuss the subject of homosexuality but also for Ayushmann's chemistry with Jitendra Kumar who plays his love interest in the show. 

In a recent interview with Mid Day, the director of the film, Hitesh Kewalya said, "This film takes on homophobia; it holds a mirror to society and its need to box us into gender identities. How can we, as a society, pick out a certain kind of love and say that it must be banished? Why is this non-issue being made into an issue?"

Further clarifying his move of putting the kiss between his lead actors in the trailer, Hitesh said it was a well thought over decision. "There was no question of hiding any bit of the film. We wanted to play on the front foot. Why shouldn’t we? After Shubh Mangal Saavdhan [that he wrote the dialogues for], we understood the audience we were dealing with. We are sure about our story and are going all out with the hope that society changes, one film at a time," he said. 

He further added that he wishes there is a certain amount of respect that the gay community deserves and the film is trying their best to do that. "People are scared despite the decriminalisation [of Section 377]. Sexuality is rarely discussed in films anyway. Initially, Ayushmann and Jitu [Jitendra Kumar] had their share of guffaws, but four scenes later, they were professionals and have created a couple that people will root for. The gay community has rarely been portrayed with the dignity and respect they deserve. This film is made with the motive of appealing to as many people as possible. So, we’ve taken the route of humour. Laughter opens people up to difficult conversations," he added.