Rani Mukerji returns as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in 'Mardani 2', who is determined to catch the serial rapist within two days. The film has been caught in controversy soon after its trailer launch. The trailer, which shows a serial rapist and murderer in Kota who targets young girls in the city, declares the film is inspired by true events. The objection has primarily been raised because 'Mardaani 2' is about a psycho-killer who never existed in Kota and yet trailer claims the film is inspired by true events.
Protest against the the film continues in Kota, with local corporator Gopal Manda sending legal notice to Censor Board, the film's producer Aditya Chopra, director Gopi Puthran, and the information and broadcasting ministry, appealing them to remove the name of the city from the film. Gopal Manda claims that the film maligns the name of the city. Unless the name of the city is removed, screenings would be blocked and the matter would be taken to the high court, the notice has warned, according to lawyer Ashwin Garg.
Over three decades, Kota has been identified as an educational city, and connecting the city to crime is unwanted for, Garg said. "Around 250,000 students have been coming here to excel in competitive exams from all parts of India. With such a film been screened all over the nation, who shall send their kids to Kota to study?" he asked.
A few days ago the director had clarified that Kota has been used as the setting for the film and that there was no intention to tarnish the reputation of the city. He said, “Mardaani 2 addresses a huge societal issue of rape and the rise of horrific crimes committed by juveniles in India. One is deeply moved when such shocking incidents happen and as a writer, I wanted to voice this issue and bring to light a terrible reality that today's India and its youth faces."
