'Lesbianism ya gays par': Puneet Issar slammed for ‘misogynistic’ remarks on films about LGBTQ+ themes

Puneet Issar

Puneet Issar, who is known for playing negative roles in several films, often makes headlines for his remarks, and he is yet again catching netizens' eyes for his comment on films that address topics like 'gay and lesbian' relationships. A video clip of the actor is going viral in which he was seen promoting films like Animal and targeting Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor's film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.

Puneet Issar on the criticism of violence in films - "Toh kya sirf lesbianism pe films banaye? Gays pe film banaye?"
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In the now-viral clip, the actor was seen saying that films work when we target the masses; otherwise, the result is like that of Ayushmann's film (Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui), which addresses a relationship with a transgender person. Puneet, in a chat with Digital Commentary, shared, "South mein they made male-dominated films. Pushpa kitni badi hit hui hai because that is catering to the grassroots level masses. Ranbir Kapoor, when he does an Animal, superhit hoti hai."

Puneet Issar targerts Ayushmann Khurrana's film

When told a set of audiences doesn't wish to watch films like Animal, he was quick to say, "Aap kya lesbianism ya gays par film banana chahte hain? Main usko nakarta nahi hoon, that is there, I respect everybody. But Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor did a film (Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui) jo 12 baje lagi aur 12.30 utar gayi, kya aisi films banay? Main janna chahta hoon logon se."

Reddit calls out Puneet Issar

As soon as this clip went viral, Reddit users started calling him out as a ‘misogynistic' man. One shared, "People did not have a problem with violence and gore in Animal (& Pushpa, KGF). It was the misogyny & treatment of female characters that people found problematic. Ideology of the director made it even worse."

"There was no reason to say all this.... Although I support violent movies and I want more makers to come up with movies like Kill and series like The Boys or Daredevil, but that can be said without any other nonsense," another wrote.

A third user commented, "Arey sahab, lesbian and gay se bhi alag bahut saare contents hain which remain unexplored. We have so many terrific folklore and urban legends which remain untouched. Movies should be content-driven with a little bit of masala and the audience will automatically come to theatres. Just mind-numbing violence without any logic has become trivial."

"This is a misogynistic old man talking with prejudices typical of his generation. Ignore. Saw him on Bigg Boss 8. He was the biggest bully in the playground," another wrote.