Why Is Boycott Jersey Trending On Twitter? Here's What We Know

Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur's Jersey is releasing in theatres today. The date of release was finally confirmed after constant delays due to the pandemic and to avoid clashes with other big releases. The screening of the film took place yesterday and the artists and critics are full of praises for Kapoor's emotional delivery and Thakur's phenomenal performance. However, on the day of its release, a section of Twitter is asking viewers to boycott Jersey.

The film is adapted from a Telugu movie by the same name. It is the tale of a batsman, who initially fails to make it big and settles for a less glamorous and cricket free life. When he is unable to buy a jersey for his son due to a financial crunch, he takes up the task of making a comeback to the field and fulfilling the promise that he made to his son.

The Hindi remake of the film is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, who had also directed the 2019 Telugu original, which had Nani in the lead role. For the Hindi remake, Kapoor plays the role of Nani while Thakur plays the role of his wife. The film also stars Pankaj Kapur in a pivotal role.

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The film is produced by Allu Arjun and was earlier scheduled to release on December 31 last year. But as the COVID-19 cases rose, the makers of Jersey decided on postponing the film's release. It was then announced that the film was going to release on April 14. However, its release was postponed again to avoid a clash with Yash-starrer KGF: Chapter 2 and Vijay's Beast. Finally, the film is releasing in theatres today.

The film found early praise from filmmaker Aanand L Rai, who took to Twitter and wrote, "You are brilliant @shahidkapoor! #Jersey is sheer emotion that penetrates into your heart. @mrunal0801 what a mature performance! This is one of the most difficult portrayals of man-woman relationships in recent times. Loved every moment of it & @gotam19 you lived it up !!!"

Image Credit: YouTube screenshot

Boycott Jersey Trending On Twitter, Know Why

A section on Twitter has raised calls for boycott of the film, not because the direction did not suit them or that the acting was bad, but because of Shahid Kapoor. Trollers online started digging images from a Bollywood award show, pointing out that Kapoor had made fun of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, on camera.

One user wrote, "Shahid Kapoor insulted Sushant Singh Rajput at IIFA Awards. Please show our unity and make his film a super flop." Such comments on Bollywood films and actors have time and again emerged post Rajput's death, with many pointing out the systemic bias that outsiders face in the industry.

Another tweet said, "Never forget what bullywood had did with Sushant. Time to show their real place. Boycott all movies forever. "

The original video had Kapoor, Rajput and Shah Rukh Khan, challenging each other to dance. The segment looked like just another video from an award show where stars crack a joke at each others' expense and the one subjected to the leg-pulling fully understands that it is a setup. Here is the video.