Soundarya Sharma, an actress in the recently released "Housefull 5," has responded to claims of female objectification within the film, stating that she personally doesn't perceive any such issues. This comes amidst criticism from the public and critics who suggest the film disproportionately focuses on the physical appearance of its female characters rather than their substance.
In an interview, Sharma expressed surprise when informed about the criticism. She stated, "I don't see that, I don't see any of it. Pata nahi aap bol rahe ho toh (I don't know but since you're saying it). Honestly, I haven't gotten time to sit and read all of these because I've been busy, counting numbers and excited." She further suggested that the filmmakers would be better suited to address the concerns, as an actor is merely interpreting someone else's vision. Sharma added, "It's made in a very light way and with heart. I don't know kaun hai yeh log jo iss tarah baat kar rahe hai (I don't know who these people are who are talking like this)."
Regarding the outfits worn by female actors in "Housefull 5," Sharma defended them by saying, "I feel not for the first time, anyone has worn something. It's also the reflection of the society, not that they have plugged something. There have been actors who have worn bikinis as well as sarees for their roles. Aisa kuch samajh mein mere ko nahi aa raha hai (I'm not able to understand). People have been wearing all sorts of sarees for songs and everything.”
Sharma also touched upon her experience with criticism after doing a pan masala advertisement, stating, "I was asked the same thing when I did pan masala ad with Shah Rukh (Khan), Ajay (Devgn) and Akshay (Kumar) sir, that 'As a dentist, you have done a controversial product's advertisement How can you do that?'" She argued that blame shouldn't solely fall on the person projecting something, as "We are a reflection of society."
Sharma maintains that "Housefull 5" was made in good faith, with no negative intentions. "It was done in a fun stride and this hasn't happened for the first time. I don't know why people are talking in a different manner. Bohot dil se banayi hai film and there is no negative essence in it. Our film is funny and light-hearted," she said. She also highlighted that trolling and criticism, in a way, contribute to the film's visibility and publicity.
Soundarya also mentioned that perception varies from person to person. She doesn't mix her own vision with what the director wants her to do. She believes that the characters are a reflection of our own society.
However, Sharma's perspective has faced backlash, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Some users argue that her role, and those of other female actors, were reduced to catering to the "male gaze." One Reddit user commented, "Poor girl's entire existence in the film was reduced to just being there for the male gaze and she thinks there wasn't any objectification??!” Another added, “Sadly, she is not a nepo kid… if she speaks against the movie or producers, she won't get even a small role next time.”
"Housefull 5," which was released on June 6 and features a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh, has received mixed reactions. Despite the criticism, the film has reportedly had a strong opening week at the box office. Director Tarun Mansukhani has also defended the film, suggesting that critics are viewing it with a particular bias. He stated that those criticizing the film are focusing on the "skin show".
