Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani's 'Kabir Singh', a remake of the Telugu hit Arjun Reddy, embroiled in several controversies since release, with some celebrities and audience claiming the film glorifies toxic masculinity and misogyny. 

During a conversation titled 'Arts Meets Academia' at her alma mater, Bollywood diva Vidya Balan openly declared her support for the flick. The actress said that if people don't like a particular film they should not go and watch it. She further added she wouldn't play the female protagonist in such a film, but she would definitely watch the film because it represents a harsh reality as there are several Kabir Singha in the world. 

"Sometimes I watch films even if they are not keeping it to my beliefs. Over the years, I have matured as a person. Previously it used to be all black or white for me but today, I understand. I will give you an example of the film 'Kabir Singh'. There was a huge uproar when 'Kabir Singh' released and people questioned how could the film glorify a character as Kabir Singh, who is absolutely disrespectful and violent towards women. Previously, I would have had the same reaction, but today I feel that the film is not necessarily glorifying it. It's about telling the story of a 'Kabir Singh' and there are enough Kabir Singhs in the world, especially in our country. So, I am okay with that. I can make choice not to be a Kabir Singh. As a person, that choice would be mine. But will I go to the theatre and watch 'Kabir Singh'? Of course, I will. So, I think I have kind of matured," said Vidya, while interacting with the students.

Vidya, who is a graduate in sociology further added that she had been fortunate to tell stories of women who found their voice and strength. Though she got opportunities to do other kinds of films, the actress chose not to and stayed true to her beliefs! "I have been fortunate that I have done work that aligns with my beliefs. Not that I haven't had the opportunity to do other work, but it's a choice I made that only I do the work I believe in. Over the past 12 years, I have had the chance to tell stories of women who find their voice and strength, so even if they start off as weak and vulnerable in the film, by the end of it they come a full circle. So, I think I am attracted to these stories. I had the opportunity to do other stuff but I chose not to. I tried dabbling in it for a bit but I found myself absolutely inconsequential in that space, which is why I didn't do it," said Vidya whose next film 'Shankutala Devi' is slated to release on May 8.

'Arjun Reddy' and its remake in Tamil and Hindi - 'Adithya Varma' and 'Kabir Singh' respectively, were a huge hit at the box-office. The movie showcased the story of the title character - a drug addict and an alcoholic who happens to be stubborn and self-destructive. 

At a chat show, actress Parvathy, who has always been vocal against the toxic masculinity in films, openly declared that Shahid Kapoor’s 'Kabir Singh' and its Telugu original,  'Arjun Reddy', clearly glorified violence against women, while Joaquin Phoenix’s 'Joker' did not. While social media lauded the actress's opinion, several others did not, who are now celebrating Vidya Balan's recent statement as a reply to Parvathy.