| 20 June 2023
The mythological epic film Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, has been engulfed in a storm of criticism since its release in theaters. From its dialogues to the visual effects, every aspect of the movie has been met with negative reviews from both moviegoers and the general public. The growing discontent has now led to an online movement demanding a ban on the screening of Adipurush.
Adding fuel to the fire, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) recently wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and "stop screening the movie and immediately order a ban of Adipurush screening in the theaters and OTT platforms in the future." In their letter, the association members also called for legal action, requesting an FIR against director Om Raut, dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla, and the film's producers.
The letter from the AICWA stated, "This movie's screenplay and dialogues are clearly defaming the image of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Adipurush's movie is hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus and Sanatan Dharm. Prabhu Sri Ram is a god for everyone in India, and no matter what religious faith one comes from, this movie depicts Lord Ram and even Raavan who looks like a character of a video game, with dialogues hurting every Indian in the country and across the globe. Actor Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan shouldn't have been part of such a disgraceful movie ever made in the history of Indian Cinema. Adipurush is a complete disaster of our faith in Shri Ram and Ramayan."
The controversy surrounding Adipurush has spilled onto the streets as well. In Varanasi, a group of individuals staged a protest against the film, tearing down its posters. The Hindu Mahasabha also lodged a complaint with the Lucknow police against the movie's makers on June 19. The Samajwadi Party has joined the chorus of discontent, claiming that the faithful are hurt by the film's "cheap and superficial dialogues" and suggesting that it is part of an "agenda."
The protests and complaints against Adipurush highlight the intensity of the backlash and the deep-rooted emotions it has stirred. The allegations of disrespect towards religious sentiments have struck a chord with a section of the population, leading to calls for a ban on the film's screening.
As the controversy rages on, the filmmakers and actors associated with Adipurush will likely face increasing scrutiny and pressure to address the concerns raised by the AICWA and the public. The fate of the film remains uncertain, with the demands for a ban gaining momentum and the voices against it growing louder. The coming days will reveal whether the calls for a ban will be heeded or if the film will continue to face resistance from those who feel their religious sentiments have been offended.
In the midst of this heated debate, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find a balanced solution that respects artistic expression while considering the sentiments of the people. The outcome of this controversy could have broader implications for the future of creative freedom in Indian cinema and the delicate balance between artistic interpretation and religious sensitivities.
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