In a surprising turn of events, the morning shows of the highly anticipated film ‘Adipurush’ starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon were abruptly cancelled in Nepal due to a brewing controversy surrounding a specific dialogue that referred to Janaki as “India’s daughter.” The controversy quickly caught fire, with Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah expressing his strong objection to the dialogue and asserting that Janaki is considered a beloved daughter of Nepal. In an unprecedented move, Mayor Shah declared that no Hindi film would be permitted to release in Kathmandu unless the contentious dialogue was removed.
‘Adipurush,’ directed by Om Raut, had generated immense excitement among cinephiles in both India and Nepal. The film, based on the epic Ramayana, features Prabhas in the role of Lord Rama and Kriti Sanon as Sita, with the potential to be a visual spectacle and a cinematic triumph. However, the controversy surrounding the dialogue brought unexpected complications to its release in Nepal.
Mayor Balen Shah’s strong stance reflects the sentiment of many Nepalese people who deeply cherish the historical and cultural significance of Janaki, more commonly known as Sita, in their nation’s heritage. Janaki is widely regarded as an emblem of pride and reverence in Nepal, symbolizing the strength, grace, and virtues of Nepalese culture. Therefore, any reference that questions her exclusive association with Nepal and places her under the umbrella of India has ignited a heated debate and stirred sentiments across the country.
The controversy stems from a specific dialogue in ‘Adipurush,’ where Janaki is referred to as “India’s daughter.” This seemingly innocuous statement sparked outrage among Nepalese audiences, who perceive it as an attempt to undermine the Nepalese heritage and claim a shared cultural icon as exclusively Indian. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions and protests, as people expressed their discontent and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.
Mayor Balen Shah, in response to the public outcry, took a decisive stance by asserting that no Hindi film would be allowed to release in Kathmandu unless the contentious dialogue was removed from ‘Adipurush.’ He emphasized that Janaki is a cherished figure in Nepal, deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the nation, and should not be subject to any form of misappropriation or misrepresentation.
The decision to cancel the morning shows of ‘Adipurush’ in Nepal sent shockwaves throughout the film industry and among eager fans. The move highlighted the influence and significance of public sentiment, as well as the responsibility of filmmakers and artists to be mindful of cultural sensitivities while creating and promoting their work. The controversy served as a reminder that art and entertainment should not overlook the sentiments and cultural nuances of diverse communities.
The ‘Adipurush’ team, recognizing the gravity of the situation, swiftly responded to the controversy by expressing their willingness to address the concerns raised by Nepalese audiences. Director Om Raut assured the public that the team had no intentions of causing offense and that they would make necessary revisions to the dialogue to align with the sentiments of the Nepalese people.
The incident surrounding ‘Adipurush’ serves as a valuable lesson in cross-cultural communication and the importance of cultural sensitivity in the creative realm. It underscores the need for filmmakers to engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse communities, respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultural identities. It is through such open conversations that misunderstandings can be addressed, and collaborative efforts can be made to promote cultural harmony.
As the controversy surrounding ‘Adipurush’ continues to unfold, the fate of the film’s release in Nepal hangs in the balance. The incident serves as a significant reminder of the influence of cinema in shaping public discourse and the responsibility of filmmakers to approach their craft with care and respect for diverse cultures.
