The highly anticipated film, Adipurush, featuring Prabhas and directed by Om Raut, has stirred up controversy and upset the sentiments of millions. Initially generating immense excitement among fans, some of the dialogues in the movie came as a shock, particularly the tapori-style lines related to Lord Hanuman, which left many feeling uncomfortable.
While these dialogues have since been altered, the fact that some individuals initially defended them has only intensified the public’s anger. Surprisingly, even self-proclaimed atheists and people from other religions joined in protesting against Adipurush, with a demonstration by a group of Muslims on social media gaining attention. OG Lakshman Sunil Lahri, who played the iconic role of Lakshman in the television series Ramayan, shared his thoughts on the matter in an exclusive interview.
Lahri stated, “I have never claimed that Ramayan is a Hindu epic. It is a story that transcends religious boundaries and is a part of India’s rich culture and heritage, resonating with every Indian. It is a tale of familial relationships and brotherhood, which can be appreciated by people of all faiths.
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It is heartening to see Indians from all walks of life coming together to voice their concerns against this issue.” He also expressed his shock at the objectionable lines penned by Manoj Muntashir, stating, “I have followed his work for a long time, and he has always appeared to be well-versed in our heritage and spiritual values. This revelation is truly shocking.”
In an attempt to mend the damage caused by the controversy, the makers of Adipurush announced a special day when audiences could watch the film for a reduced ticket price of Rs 150. However, despite this gesture, the repercussions of the initial backlash are still being felt. Lahri believes there is a lesson to be learned from this experience, particularly in terms of film certification.
He suggests that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should exercise greater vigilance when evaluating movies that touch upon Indian mythology and religion. It is crucial, Lahri emphasizes, for the CBFC to assemble a team of experts to analyze whether a film’s content is hurtful to the ethos of a particular community. While Hinduism allows for freedom of interpretation, Lahri believes that distortions of this nature should not be tolerated.
The protests against Adipurush have highlighted the need for a more sensitive approach to the depiction of religious and mythological content in Indian cinema. Filmmakers should strive to maintain the integrity of these stories, ensuring that they are portrayed with respect and accuracy. Lahri’s call for stricter evaluation by the CBFC is a valid one, as it would help prevent future controversies and safeguard the sentiments of diverse communities.
Moreover, the incident serves as a reminder that Indian mythology and religious narratives hold deep significance and reverence among the masses. Filmmakers should be cognizant of this fact and exercise caution when handling such subjects. While artistic freedom is essential, it must be balanced with a sense of responsibility and cultural sensitivity.
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The controversy surrounding Adipurush has underscored the importance of respecting cultural and religious sentiments while depicting mythological stories on the big screen. OG Lakshman Sunil Lahri’s response to the protests demonstrates the need for greater scrutiny and evaluation during the certification process.
By doing so, future films can avoid causing unintended offense and ensure that the rich heritage and spiritual values of India are represented accurately and respectfully. Let this incident serve as a learning experience for filmmakers and regulatory bodies, leading to a more responsible and inclusive approach to the portrayal of Indian mythology and religion in cinema.
