In 2019, the film “Kabir Singh” made headlines and sparked intense debates for its portrayal of a toxic and abusive relationship. The movie featured Shahid Kapoor in the lead role of Kabir Singh and Kiara Advani as Preeti, his love interest. While the film was a box office hit, it received mixed to negative reviews from both audiences and critics for its handling of the central relationship.
Kiara Advani’s Approach to Playing Controversial Characters
Kiara Advani, who portrayed Preeti in the film, has been open about her perspective on the movie and the criticism it received. In a Femina interview, she acknowledged that some people found “Kabir Singh” to be unpalatable and toxic, but she also pointed out that the film succeeded in drawing attention to unhealthy relationships, making it a conversation starter on a crucial issue.
Kiara expressed her approach to playing characters, stating that she has never taken on a role she didn’t like. She believes in the importance of accepting that there are various types of people in the world, and it’s essential not to “cancel” everyone for their roles in a movie. She underlined the significance of initiating a dialogue, which “Kabir Singh” indeed did, and saw this as a positive outcome.
“Kabir Singh” was a Hindi remake of the Telugu film “Arjun Reddy,” which featured Vijay Devarakonda in the lead role and was directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film, despite its commercial success, faced criticism for its depiction of the tumultuous relationship between Kabir and Preeti.
Kiara Advani’s Defense of “Kabir Singh” and Its Complex Portrayal of Love and Relationships
Kiara Advani had previously defended her character, Preeti, in a 2022 interview with Bollywood Hungama. She acknowledged that while many people expressed their love for the film after its release, there was a significant section that raised important concerns about its portrayal of relationships. She firmly maintained that, at its core, “Kabir Singh” is a love story, and love has the power to make individuals forgive certain behaviors in life. Relationships, she emphasized, are incredibly complex, and it’s often not as simple as an outsider’s perspective might suggest.
In her defense of Preeti’s character, Kiara highlighted a crucial aspect of the story that often went overlooked. After a pivotal moment in the film where Preeti is subjected to abuse, she does leave Kabir. However, this part of the narrative is sometimes overshadowed by the subsequent reconciliation. Kiara pointed out that it is precisely this complexity that makes the film resonate, as it captures the dynamics of love and forgiveness. She stressed that it’s essential to remember that “Kabir Singh” is ultimately a work of fiction, a story crafted for the screen.
Kiara Advani’s perspective on “Kabir Singh” revolves around the idea that the film serves as a catalyst for conversations about unhealthy relationships and the complexities of love. She believes that while the movie may have its flaws and criticisms, it played a role in bringing attention to these crucial issues and providing an opportunity for growth and understanding. In a world that isn’t always black and white, Kiara’s stance is a reminder that art and cinema often mirror the intricate shades of human relationships and emotions.
