In an industry known for pushing boundaries and testing the limits of creative expression, Bollywood has yet again managed to create a stir, but this time, it has gone too far. The recently released movie “Bawaal” has sparked outrage for its insensitive and audacious attempt to use one of history’s darkest chapters, the Holocaust, as a mere plot device.
Let’s look deep into “Bawaal’s” blatant disregard for the sentiments of millions and their dangerous disregard for historical atrocities.
Biting off more than you can chew
Bollywood’s track record of offending various religious communities is no secret, but their audacity to mock the suffering of one community, the Jews, is appalling. The movie “Bawaal,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has shown a complete lack of sensitivity and respect when it comes to handling the Holocaust, a tragedy that claimed the lives of millions of innocent people. It is unacceptable for any film industry, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, to exploit such a profound and heart-wrenching historical event for the sake of entertainment.
Using the Auschwitz concentration camp as a plot point and weaving it into dialogues that trivialize the enormity of the Holocaust is nothing short of an insult to the memory of the victims and their surviving families. The fact that such a film even saw the light of day is indicative of a severe lack of moral compass within the filmmakers and the production team.
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The Simon Wiesenthal Center, an esteemed human rights NGO dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust victims, has rightly expressed its outrage over “Bawaal.” Their call to remove the movie from the OTT platform is not an infringement on creative freedom; it is a plea for basic human decency and respect for history.
I did not and will not watch the film Bawaal but from what I’ve read, there was a poor choice of terminology and symbolism.
Trivialization of the Holocaust should disturb all.
I urge those who don’t know enough about the horrors of the #Holocaust to educate themselves about it.— Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) July 28, 2023
Any criticism would be less
The attempt to draw parallels between Hitler and human avarice is not only distasteful but also deeply offensive. Comparing Hitler, the perpetrator of unimaginable horrors, to commonplace human flaws is an insult to the memory of those who suffered and died at the hands of the Nazi regime. It shows a blatant lack of understanding and empathy for the magnitude of the Holocaust.
It is essential to understand that Freedom of Expression does not give anyone the right to hurt, offend, or demean others, especially when it comes to sensitive historical subjects. Bollywood must learn that with freedom comes responsibility. Utilizing historical tragedies as plot devices for commercial gain is not only unethical but also deeply hurtful.
The international backlash against “Bawaal” should serve as a wake-up call for Bollywood filmmakers to be more responsible and conscientious in their storytelling. While artistic expression is vital for any society, it should never come at the expense of disregarding the suffering of millions or trivializing historical atrocities.
The Israeli embassy is disturbed by the trivialization of the significance of the Holocaust in the recent movie 'Bawaal'.
There was a poor choice in the utilization of some terminology in the movie, and though we assume no malice was intended, we urge everyone who may not be…
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) July 28, 2023
Know your limits
The film’s portrayal of the gas chamber scenes at Auschwitz is an egregious and insensitive act that undermines the gravity of the Holocaust. The suffering and systematic murder of millions of innocent people should never be exploited for any purpose, let alone a movie’s plotline.
Furthermore, the fact that the movie has drawn criticism from Israel, a nation that has a deep connection to the Holocaust, underscores the gravity of the issue. The Ambassador of Israel to India’s admonishment on social media speaks volumes about the magnitude of the offense caused by “Bawaal.”
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Bollywood must understand that films have the power to shape public perception and influence society. Trivializing historical tragedies for entertainment not only distorts the truth but also desensitizes viewers to the enormity of past atrocities.
In conclusion, “Bawaal” has crossed the line by using the Holocaust as a plot device and should be held accountable for its insensitivity and disrespect towards history and the Jewish community. This movie serves as a cautionary tale for Bollywood and should prompt the industry to introspect on the impact of their storytelling.
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