Why The Argument Against Priyanka As Mary Kom Is Plain Ridiculous

The problem with social media enthusiasts today is that they leave no opportunity to sensationalise every issue, failing to acknowledge and recognise the real motive behind it. Ever since the first look of Mary Kom' released, there surfaced an outrage against the makers of the film for casting Priyanka in the role of Mary Kom, the Indian boxing legend. Not only is the argument highly flawed and pointless, it is totally uncalled for. Here's why.

1. Priyanka Chopra's Credibility

Time and again, Priyanka Chopra has proved that she is one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. Not only has she proven her versatility by experimenting with her roles ranging from Aitraaz' to 7 Khoon Maaf' to Barfi', she has done justice to each one of them. The director may have found a North Easterner who looked the part but could he have found someone as good an actor as Priyanka Chopra? Just because the character being portrayed is a boxer, it doesn't mean the part has to be played by a real boxer from the North-East. It takes only a real actor to portray a legend on screen, and PC is every bit of it. Her looks really shouldn't be a limiting factor, don't you think?

2. Commendable Effort Gone Into Filmmaking

Priyanka Chopra trained herself for four months to play her part to the T. She's worked hard on getting the accent right too. Isn't that commendable - an actor doing all it takes to get into the skin of the character? Her prosthetic make-up deserves accolades instead of criticism. It is the most realistic portrayal they could have managed keeping the quality of the performance intact. For once, Bollywood hasn't mocked or stereotyped people on the basis of the region they belong to, unlike Deepika Padukone playing a South Indian girl in Chennai Express'. In fact, Priyanka Chopra playing Mary Kom could, in fact, bridge the gap between North Easterners and the rest of the Indians, if taken in the right perspective.

3. Previous Portrayals

Going by the logic people are using against Priyanka Chopra playing Mary Kom, Farhan Akhtar was the wrong choice for playing Milkha Singh just because he is neither a Sardar nor an athlete. Wouldn't a frail looking, Gujarati bald man who also believed in non violence on the personal front have been a better choice to play Gandhi? Then, why was Ben Kinglsey given the part? Seema Biswas playing Bandit Queen, Irrfan Khan playing Paan Singh Tomar, Ajay Devgn playing Bhagat Singh - there are uncountable examples. But guess what? These were still the perfect choices for the roles they portrayed, despite not being from the same background! You do not need a North Easterner to play Mary Kom. There goes the argument in the bin.

4. Director's Choice

All said and done, choosing the right actress is ultimately the director's call. How can you deprive the director of the liberty to choose the lead based on his own judgements and calculations? Its his' film, remember? If the makers of the film feel Priyanka Chopra is the best choice for the role (which we totally agree with), so be it. In fact, the fact that he has tried his hands at a biopic is applaud-worthy. The fact that he is narrating the story of an Indian legend that every Indian needs to hear is what we should focus on. The cynics really need to stop dissing him for choosing a mainstream actress instead of an actress from the North East. Even if he may have cast Priyanka Chopra solely because it is commercially viable, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. The cause is the same, the intent intact and the portrayal brilliant - what are we complaining about?

5. Mass Appeal Of A Mainstream Actor

In no way are we saying that a North Easterner couldn't have played Mary Kom as well as Priyanka Chopra. But you cannot ignore the reach an actress as mainstream as PC would have amongst the masses. No offence intended, but can a Manipuri actress bring in as many people to theatres? How many of you would have watched Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' had it featured a regional actor from Punjab? Mainstream actors are chosen to play such roles for a reason. It has nothing to do with racism. And in this case, Priyanka Chopra's past performances prove that she's not just popular, but also the most talented actress in Bollywood. As long as the message is reaching out to people, there can be no arguments against casting Priyanka Chopra instead of a Manipuri girl.

6. Mary Kom Is Much More Than A North Easterner

These arguments put forth nothing but a strong urge to promote further regionalism amongst people, which in turn, widens the gap between North Easterners and the rest of the country. The film is more about the legend that Mary Kom is and little about her hailing from the North East, to be spoken so much about! It is the story of a fighter, not a woman from North East. It's shocking to see how people are forgetting that Mary Kom is much more than just a North Easterner. It is her struggle and her journey from a nobody to a legend that matters, not how she looks. Mary Kom herself has been immensely supportive of Priyanka Chopra's portrayal of her character. Apparently, she's even seen some parts of the film and has gone on to appreciate the performance. Who are we to question authenticity then?

7. Too Early To Judge

The film hasn't even released yet and people are already passing judgements how Priyanka Chopra is an epic fail'. The trailer has left even the harshest of critics speechless and the whole nation is waiting to watch the film. With an almost unanimously positive response, why are certain sects of people suddenly dissing the actress and the makers for the film? The director deserves to be given a chance to prove why he chose PC as Mary Kom.

What do you think? Still not convinced? Tell us in the comments section below.

To read why we vouch so much for Priyanka Chopra as an actress, click here.