‘Adipurush’ controversy: Why do Hindu rights call for ban on Saif Ali Khan starrer film

Ever since the trailer of Adipursh was released, there has been a demand for a ban on the movie alleging that the film hurts the Hindus’ religious sentiments. A 1.46-minute teaser of the film was launched on Sunday in Ayodhya. The film is based on the epic, ‘Ramayan’. The film, which features Prabhas as Lord Ram, Saif Ali Khan as the Raavan, Kriti Sanon as Sita and Sunny Singh in lead roles, is set to debut in theatres on January 12, 2023, in several languages.

Why is ‘Adipurush’ controversial?

Most have raised objections to the way Raavan’s character looks in the film. ‘Adipurush’, a big-budget adaptation of the Ramayana, directed by Om Raut of ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ fame, does not depict the story in true spirit. Actor Saif Ali Khan who played the character in the film is the main antagonist. Many seeing Saif Ali Khan donning short spiked hair, a long beard, and kohl-lined eyes, are comparing the actor`s look in the film with that of Alauddin Khilji rather than Raavan.

The Raavan in the teaser does not have an Indian look. He has blue eye makeup and is wearing a leather jacket. The portrayal of Hanuman, having a beard but not having a mustache and dressed in leather, also attracted criticism. BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash said, “I am saddened by the fact that the director let alone researching the Valmiki’s Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana or Tulsidasa’s Ramayana, or the umpteen numbers of interpretations of Ramayana that are available across board as far as Thailand where they do beautiful performances of the Ramayana. The least he could have done is research our own films; there are so many Kannada films, Telugu films, Tamil films, which show how Raavana looked.”

‘The controversy creators’

Hindu right-wing groups, BJP leaders and ministers have been calling for “immediate course correction” failing which they would not allow the film to be released, scheduled in January 2023.

Uttar Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has said that the film should be corrected before its release. “I haven`t watched the teaser of ‘Adipurush’ yet, but in any case, films that hurt religious sentiments should not be supported, that’s wrong. It needs to be corrected and presented properly.”

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra warned that legal action would be taken if scenes showing Hindu religious figures in the “wrong” way were not removed.

BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said that the film makes a mockery of Hindu deities. “Raavan looks like a Muslim invader in the film while Hanuman’s image has been distorted beyond recognition which is highly condemnable. Filmmakers think they can get away with any level of cinematic liberty. This cannot be permitted,’ he said.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) raised objections to the portrayal of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Ravana in the teaser of ‘Adipurush’, claiming that it “ridiculed Hindu society.” The organsation said it would not allow this film to be screened in theatres. It also expressed displeasure at the Central Board of Film Certification for giving a green signal to the movie. One of its leaders said: “If the board is not able to perform its duties, then the government should dissolve it.”

The head priest of Ram Temple in Ayodhya Satyendra Das said: “The way in which Ravana has been depicted is absolutely wrong and condemnable. Through the media, we demand an immediate ban on the film.” He said that the film doesn’t show Lord Rama and Hanuman as mentioned in the epic either and hence goes against their dignity.

Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple, said, “No one can be allowed to misrepresent the Hindu mythology and distort the image of Hindu gods and goddesses.”

Sunil Raj of Hindu Rashtra Sena, a fringe outfit, said that the film’s teaser also portrays Sita in a poor light. “She looks more like a film heroine than a goddess. We will not allow the film to get a release.” Kriti Sanon plays Sita in ‘Adipurush’.

Dipika, Mukesh Khanna disapprove teaser

Actor Mukesh Khanna, who played Bheeshma Pitamah in Mahabharat, also raised objections to the movie. He told Zee News, “Not everyone may agree with me, but Hindu Gods are not handsome. They are beautiful. They are not handsome like (Arnold) Schwarzenegger. Look at Ram or Krishna for example. They are not bodybuilders; they have a soft, docile, and grand look on their faces. No one can claim they met Ram or Krishna, but from whatever we have seen over the years, they have a feminine look. People who worship them never think of Ram or Hanuman with moustaches.”

Actress Dipika Chikhlia, who played the role of Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana has disapproved of Adipurush teaser saying she does not associate ‘Ramayana with Visual effects’. In an interview with India Today, the actress said, “I have seen the teaser of Adipurush. I think Ramayana is a story of truth and morality. I don’t associate Ramayana with VFX, that’s my personal take on this.”

Director’s response: 

Director Om Raut felt that his film was too massive to be contained for mobile viewing. He said: “I was disheartened for sure, not surprised because the film is made for a larger medium, the big screen. You can cut it down to some extent but can’t bring it down to a mobile phone.” “That is an environment I cannot control. Given a choice, I’d never put it on YouTube but that’s the need of the hour. We need to put it there so that it reaches a wide audience,” Raut further added.

(With inputs from agencies)

-INDIA NEWS STREAM