‘Unwarranted Malicious’: Filmfare Responds To Kangana’s Allegations

Kangana Ranaut has decided to sue Filmfare for nominating her for her work in the biopic Thalaivii (2021) in the upcoming edition of the Filmfare Awards.

Ranaut took to the story section of her Instagram and wrote a lengthy note stating the reason behind the decision: "I have banned unethical, corrupt and totally unfair practices like @filmfare since 2014, but since I have been getting many calls from them for attending their award function this year as they want to give me an award for Thalaivii.

"I am shocked to know that they are still nominating me. it is beneath my dignity, work ethics and value system to encourage such corrupt practices in anyway, that is why I have decided to sue@filmfare … thanks." 

Filmfare released an official statement on Facebook in response to Ranaut's allegations which read,

"It pains us at Filmfare, today, to be subjected to unwarranted malicious remarks by Ms. Kangana Ranaut. For six decades, Filmfare Awards, and Filmfare, at large, has been a platform that celebrates and honours talent in the Film industry impartially and with utmost transparency. It is our strong ethic that has helped us in gaining the trust of our audiences and the film industry. As is customary during the awards, Filmfare's Executive Editor informed Ms. Ranaut about her nomination in the Best Actor in a Leading Role, Female category and asked for her address to send across the invitation.

The exact message was as follows 'Hello Kangana, heartiest congratulations on your nomination for the Filmfare Awards. It'll be a pleasure to have you there, do confirm your presence at the awards ceremony on August 30 at Jio World Convention Centre at BKC, Mumbai. It'll help us plot your seats. P.S. Please send us your residential address so that we can send you the invite. Regards.' At no time was there any insinuation of an award being given to her or any request for performance at the event made.

This is a patently false accusation being made by Ms Ranaut. Our invitation to her was our effort in bringing together everyone in a collective celebration of what brings this nation together, i.e. Indian Cinema. Filmfare Awards are a celebration of cinematic excellence and are awarded irrespective of the fact that a nominee attends or performs at the function. Further, Ms. Ranaut a 5-time Filmfare Awardee, was given the award twice in absentia (2014 & 2015). Despite knowing that she would neither attend nor perform. Given the irresponsible remarks made by Ms. Ranaut about Filmfare Awards, we are withdrawing her Best Actress nomination for the movie Thalaivii.

We reserve all rights to pursue any legal action against her malicious and defamatory statements tarnishing our reputation and goodwill."