In a scathing observation over the contentious issue of Adipurush, Allahabad HC minced no words in the criticism of the Om Raut directorial, allegedly based on Ramayana.
Let’s bring to light how the honorable Allahabad High Court showed the mirror to the makers of Adipurush, and why the troubles for Om Raut and Manoj Muntashir wouldn’t end anytime soon.
“There’s a limit to everything”
In a series of strong remarks, the Allahabad High Court questioned the tolerance level being tested by the portrayal of religious characters in an objectionable manner, specifically referring to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. The court raised concerns about the potential consequences of tampering with sacred texts and expressed its disapproval of the movie’s alleged disrespectful representation.
The court expressed scathing criticism of the movie makers, as well as the Censor Board, for their handling of the film’s content, particularly the portrayal of religious characters. As per their observation,
“It is good that it is about a religion, the believers of which did not create any public order problem. We should be thankful. We saw in the news that some people had gone to cinema halls and they only forced them to close the hall…”
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On the filmmaker’s argument that a disclaimer has been added that the film is INSPIRED by Ramayan, the court said: “Do the people who put the disclaimer consider the countrymen, and youth to be brainless? You show Lord Rama, Lord Laxman, Lord Hanuman, Ravana, Lanka and then say it is not Ramayana?” In a sly reference to the secular ethos, the Allahabad HC also mentioned of the consequences of tampering with the sacred texts of other religions.
“What is Censor Board for?”
The court did not spare the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) either, lambasting the board for granting certification to Adipurush without adequately addressing the contentious dialogues and objectionable portrayal of characters. The bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Shree Prakash Singh pointed out the CBFC’s apathy towards the issues raised by the film and emphasized the need for stricter scrutiny and intervention.
As reported by Live Law, the bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Shree Prakash Singh remarked that the CBFC should have done something while granting certification to the movie.
“The one who is gentle should be suppressed? Is it so? It is good that it is about a religion the believers of which did not create any public order problem. We should be thankful. We saw in the news that some people had gone to some cinema halls and they only forced them to shut down the screening. They could have done something there as well. If we close our eyes on this issue also because it is said that the people of this religion (Hindus) are very tolerant, does it mean that their tolerance will continue to be tested?”, the bench asked.
“What will editing do?”
Upon the submission that certain dialogues have been changed, the bench said, “That alone won’t work. What will you do with the scenes? Seek instructions, then we will definitely do whatever we want to do…In case the exhibition of the movie is stopped then the people whose religious feelings have been hurt will get some relief.”
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The court also allowed the application of the petitioners to implead dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir as a party respondent in the case and ordered a notice be sent to him. Looks like the troubles for Om Raut and Manoj Muntashir are not going to end anytime soon.
The Allahabad High Court’s scathing criticism of Adipurush and the Censor Board reflects the ongoing struggle between artistic freedom and the responsibility of filmmakers to consider religious sensitivities. The court’s observations have reignited discussions about the need for balanced portrayals of religious characters and the importance of respecting sacred texts.
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