Is Kangana Ranaut the anti-patriarchy poster child?

First came her big-talk on Karan Johar’s show, where she called the host the “movie mafia” and the “flag bearer of nepotism,” followed by her latest Rangoon being a dud.

After Karan Johar hit back at Kangana Ranaut saying she should leave the entertainment industry, the actress too fired a salvo back at the director about her so-called ‘woman card’.

Now, writer Apurva Asrani, who has scripted Kangana’s next release, Simran, defends the actress’ right to assert her individuality, and question’s Karan’s timing for his tirade. “He should have said it then and there on his show, when she spoke up. There would’ve been a healthy debate about nepotism, and I believe even Karan may have some valid points. To respond one month later, in London, without her to defend herself, has earned him a lot of flak.”

Apurva feels the current controversies, however, would not impact Kangana’s career in any way. “We are storytellers. In Simran, we strive to tell a good story, with sincerity and passion. Hansal Mehta, Kangana and I all subscribe to the same belief. I think people will judge our movie for its unique store and performances, on its own merits. Besides, Rangoon had four big stars including director Vishal Bharadwaj. But Simran has her as its biggest draw. And like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, I think audiences are waiting for her solo outing.”

Adds critic Raja Sen, “I feel anything that keeps her this vividly in the news cycle, right after an unsuccessful thing, can only be a good thing. She’s fast turning into the anti-patriarchy poster child, and that is creating a distinct space for her, setting her apart from all other heroines.”