In what is fast becoming a trend to insult Hindus and take the community’s sentiments for a ride by the film industries across the country, the makers of the Kannada film ‘Pogaru’ have agreed to delete “anti-Brahmin” scenes after objections from the Brahmin community.
After certain scenes from the first big-budget Kannada film to release post the lockdown, Pogaru were found to be disrespectful to the Brahmin community, the makers of the film have decided to delete the scenes under scrutiny after objections from the community.
Sreekanth, a member of the Brahmin community said, “Do not target any community in cinemas. Consider the emotions of that community. Everybody is hurt by this incident which is why we decided to protest. They have now agreed to remove the said scenes. We welcome their decision.”
The Brahmin community had stated if the makers failed to remove the scenes by Wednesday, they would stage a protest against the film.
Pogaru Director Nanda Kishore, said, “There has been an unintentional mistake. I apologise to the Brahmin community. Our intent was not to hurt anyone. 12 controversial scenes in the movie will be removed. It will be done in such a way that viewers wouldn’t know the difference. This movie is my four year old child. We will ensure the edit is done in a way that it doesn’t affect the film.”
While there are several scenes and dialogues in Pogaru which has earned the wrath of the Brahmin community, the scene in which where the protagonist of the movie is seen keeping his foot on the shoulder of a priest has been under intense scrutiny and a major bone of contention.
Jayaraj, President, Kannada film chamber of commerce, said, “Twelve scenes have come to our notice that the community members have raised objections to. We have spoken to both parties and have arrived at a solution. The scenes will be cut at 9 am tomorrow.”
After Senior Journalist Chiru Bhat released a video on YouTube exposing that Pogaru was filled with anti-Brahmin vitriol, he has been allegedly receiving threatening calls from people who claim to be the fans of Dhruva Sarja, the lead actor of Pogaru.
Much-like the controversy surrounding Pogaru for portraying Brahmins in a derogatory manner, recently, the nation outraged over the blatant anti-Hindu bias shown in Amazon Original Series “Tandav”. After massive outrage, the Ali Abbas Zafar directed series decided to delete scenes that were perceived to be anti-Hindu with the makers and the star cast of the series in deep trouble as multiple FIRs had been lodged against them across the country.
While the film industry cannot help but create blatant anti-Hindu content, it is encouraging to see that the community is putting a united front against those who take their emotions for granted.