In an effort to defend the purity of Hindu holy icons, the Hindu Sena National President has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the DHC, seeking the removal of claimed “objectionable scenes” in the forthcoming film Adipurush. The PIL believes that these sequences, portraying Ravana, Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Hanuman, stray from the conventional portrayals contained in the Ramayana.
According to the appeal, the Hindu community retains a certain vision of Lord Ram, Sita, and Hanuman, and any change of their sacred image by the film’s producers, directors, and performers will infringe against their basic rights. The PIL says that these episodes reflect a disrespectful representation of the religious characters and constitute an unequivocal insult to Hindu civilisation, holy icons, and idols.
The request underlines that the haircuts, beards, and clothes of these figures should follow to the established portrayals contained in the epic stories. Any change from these established representations, the appeal contends, would definitely harm the sensibilities of worshippers, devotees, and religious believers.
“Such feature films may not be permitted for public exhibition until corrective measures are taken by the film producers and directors,” states the PIL.
Furthermore, the request underlines that the filmmakers should not be permitted, by the Union Government and the Central Board of Film Certification, to publicly screen any feature film that might undermine public order and the secular fabric of society. The publication of Adipurush has already provoked controversy among Hindus nationally, with a state administration voicing worries about possible complications coming from the film’s distribution.
Citing the public declaration of the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who threatened to block the display of Adipurush if it damages religious emotions, the PIL claims that the film’s distribution might have far-reaching effects if it wins approval for unrestricted exhibition.