Veteran filmmaker Indra Kumar has staunchly defended his latest comedy venture, Dhamaal 4, against the growing online backlash over jokes aimed at actress Anjali Anand’s weight. Following the film’s theatrical release on July 10, sections of the audience criticized the project for relying on regressive body-shaming humor. However, speaking to Mid-day, the director stressed that the humor brings the full narrative context within the wider story line and character of the film, rather than simply reducing the actress to her physical appearance. Praising Anjali’s excellent performance and saying that he was completely happy with the role, Kumar expressed confidence that the audience watching the whole ensemble comedy, will be stars. Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsiand Jaaved Jaaferi, understand the creative intent behind the scenes.
Indra: Kumar responds to Anjali Anand’s criticism
Ever since ‘Dhamaal 4’ hit the theaters on Friday, the movie has faced a backlash with jokes aimed at Anjali Anand’s weight. Indra Kumar, however, believes that the audience will understand the context if they watch the entire film. “I really love Anjali, and she’s very happy in the role. She’s done a really good job. The humor has context within the story and the character arc gives meaning to the jokes rather than reducing her to them,” he said.
Indra Kumar in family entertainment
The filmmaker always has a straightforward goal. to create a good story that can be used as family entertainment. For him, comedy remains the genre best suited to achieve this. As audiences return to theaters in increasing numbers, he sees a new desire for lighter, more beautiful cinema. As reported by Mid-day, the director said, “We have a good subject. So I think we should do it. And if you can laugh at the family, that is a better option,” speaking on the occasion of the fourth part of Dhamaal released in theaters on July 10. Even before he was released, the warmth he received from the industry only increased his confidence. “Everybody likes it. I’m getting positive vibes from the whole industry this time.”
Indra Kumar in comedy challenge
With over three decades of experience in directing lively, entertaining films, Kumar admits that comedy is not an easy ​​genre to crack. To make sure the audience laughs, he relies on a technique of his own. “Comedy is something you have to have. You have to have fun [the humour] while filming it. Also, [it’s a genre] which inspires actors to do all the things they can’t do in real life,” said the filmmaker, whose film stars Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Jaaved Jaaferi.
Indra Kumar on the chemistry of the ensemble cast
Kumar attributes the enduring appeal of the ‘Dhamaal’ films to the strong chemistry shared by its ensemble cast. He especially praised Devgn’s deadpan comic timing and the actors’ effortless camaraderie on screen. “Ajay, who has dignity and poise alike, can do a comedy effortlessly. He is one of the most versatile actors we know. Nowadays, he can do Tanhaji (2020) and Dhamaal, followed by a Singham, Shaitaan [2024]and Drishyam with great ease. It’s great quality. The kind of variety that Ajay has done is amazing,” shared the director.
Indra Kumar’s ‘Dhamaal’ and its origins
The original ‘Dhamaal’ (2007) drew inspiration from the 1963 American comedy classic ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’.