Richa Chadha stars as a politician in Madam Chief Minister. (Photo: Richa Chadha/Instagram)Richa Chadha starrer Madam Chief Minister released in theatres on Friday. Helmed by Subhash Kapoor who has previously directed the Jolly LLB franchise, the film features Chadha in the role of a politician from Uttar Pradesh. Manav Kaul, Akshay Oberoi and Saurabh Shukla also star in pivotal roles.
The film is an inspiring story of a woman who breaks the shackles of patriarchy and obstacles put in her way to rise to the top of UP politics.
Sharing what drew her to the script of Madam Chief Minister, Richa Chadha told indianexpress.com, “When the director called me and said there’s a part for me in the film, I didn’t know what it was about, if it was going to be a role or the lead part but I liked his work so I went to meet him. He told me it was about an underdog, this one girl who comes from a certain background and is going to fight all the odds. She is like a tomboy, rides a bike and stumbles into student politics and goes on to have a whole career as a politician and becomes the youngest chief minister of a state. So, that story itself was really exciting for me.”
She added, “Then there was the context of caste and North Indian politics. I have enjoyed every bit of this character and I am almost feeling sad that now with the release, there will be a closure and we will have to move on.”
Madam Chief Minister is produced by T-Series Films and Kangra Talkies.
Ahead of its release, Madam Chief Minister courted controversy. The film’s poster, which was unveiled on January 5, was slammed by many on social media for apparently showing the Dalit community in a stereotypical way as Richa Chadha’s character was seen holding a broom in her hand. Chadha once again expressed her opinion on all the criticism. She released a statement on Twitter that read, '
Parting thoughts. The film releases across the country and abroad today. Still reading some very angry tweets, threads about myself, (not the film yet, no one has seen it). Some people are just venting. And that's ok. I am listening, learning... as I have been attempting to, for the past 2-3 years... Here, some thoughts on the representation debate, from my limited, self-admittedly privileged understanding. The anger is completely understandable, especially with the poster et al. I get it. I understand this anger. But as is often the case with anger, it is in fact misdirected since I am not the sole creator of this film. Hundreds if not thousands of people have worked on it. I can't undo historical caste injustices, or brutalisation dating back thousands of years. Please don't expect me to become a scholar or expert on the subject, by acting in one film, especially when it is as vast and complicated as caste and varna.'
She added, '-I don't even contest the fact that my performance will never ever be able to replicate the lived experience of a DBA actor. I am aware of that and it only made me work harder. As someone who is an artist, who considers herself an ally, I choose to do whatever little I can, in my capacity as an individual. I have attempted to play this part with dignity, honesty and empathy. As that was frankly the only thing in my control. (*and this empathy isn't charity or patronisation. Am also not confusing trolls/death-threat givers/fake-news spreaders for genuine voices).'
"Really excited to watch @RichaChadha in 'Madam Chief Minister'. I wish her the best and hope she stays as strong as ever," Twitter user @shrepking shared.
Film trade analyst Sumit Kadel shared how Madam Chief Minister hasn't received any footfall on the day of its release. He tweeted, "#MadamChiefMinister shows getting CANCELED left, Right & Center across India because of NO AUDIENCE . Film opened with debacle response at the box office. Opening day collection will hardly be ? 2-5 lakhs nett."
"A heady cocktail of paisa, power and politics. Richa delivers a stellar performance while Subhash Kapoor’s writing and direction is very real and relevant. This one is ‘unmissable’!" @bhavikksangghvi wrote on Twitter.
Talking to indianexpress.com, Richa Chadha shared what brief she got for her role from director Subhash Kapoor. She said, "He told me that he had been a political journalist for a few years so he used some of his anecdotes, his experiences, and interactions with people from Bihar-UP belt in the characters in the film. That was quite interesting for me. Plus the graph of this girl is just crazy.
She is somebody, who by some reactionary logic models herself as a tomboy because three of her older siblings were killed off, simply because they were women. So, she has become the man of the house, she is riding the bike, she is chopping the wood and working in the fields and she is also a librarian at a university."
Also read | If I’m the producer, I’d cast actors with lived experiences in roles from oppressed castes: Richa Chadha
"#MadamChiefMinister is a one-time watch political fare. @RichaChadha and @saurabhshukla_s’s performances, the political angle and some exceptional scenes will give you your money and time’s worth!" @fenil_seta said via Twitter.
Ali Fazal watched Madam Chief Minister and wrote on Twitter, "I had the fortune of witnessing this spectacle! My love, you’ve outdone yourself..one of your best performances ever.I hope the naysayers get a glimpse of what this film, this commentary really stands for. It is indeed a study and a sum up. To the team- BRAVA. #MadamChiefMinister"
"@RichaChadha so looking forward to seeing you in this impactful looking film. God bless you with loads of luck and success. My best wishes to the entire team ??????" Neil Nitin Mukesh said via Twitter.
Kapil Sharma extended his best wishes to the team of Madam Chief Minister and tweeted, "congratulations n best wishes to my friend
@RichaChadha for her superb performance in #MadamChiefMinister congratulations to the entire team @TSeries
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As Madam Chief Minister released in the theaters today, Richa Chadha wrote on Twitter, "Now is the time the world witnesses what wonders a small fire startling inside a commoner can do! Watch the biggest political revolution in action. #MadamChiefMinister in theatres now!"
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared on Twitter, "Really looking forward to #MadamChiefMinister with @RichaChadha, #ManavKaul directed by #SubhashKapoor. We need more authentic political dramas in this country."