Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” centered around the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, has garnered widespread attention and packed theaters worldwide. However, the movie has ignited controversy among the Indian audience due to a controversial scene featuring Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh, where the Bhagavad Gita is referenced during a sex scene.
Government of India and Save Culture Save India Foundation’s Outcry:
The Government of India’s Information Commissioner, Uday Mahurkar, expressed concern over the scene’s inclusion and shared a statement from Save Culture Save India Foundation. The foundation highlighted the Bhagavad Gita’s revered status in Hinduism and its significance as a divine gift to human civilization by Bhagwan Sri Krishna. They questioned the Central Board of Film Certification’s approval of the movie with such a scene, citing its potential to offend devotees who consider the scripture a source of inspiration for leading a virtuous life.
Description of the Controversial Scene:
In the controversial scene, Florence Pugh’s character, Jean, makes Cillian Murphy’s character, Oppenheimer, read the Bhagavad Gita aloud while engaging in sexual intercourse with him, which has been considered offensive and unnecessary by the offended parties.
Demand for Removal and Calls for Boycott:
The Save Culture Save India Foundation appealed to Christopher Nolan to remove the scene to respect the sentiments of billions of Hindus worldwide and uphold the dignity of their revered book. They requested him to take appropriate action and win the hearts of Hindus by removing the contentious scene from the film across the world. Meanwhile, some social media users called for a boycott of the movie due to the offensive nature of the scene involving the Bhagavad Gita.
Film Details and Star Cast:
“Oppenheimer,” which stars Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh in lead roles, has already achieved significant success, earning Rs 50 crore in its opening weekend in India. The film also features renowned actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, and Rami Malek in prominent roles.
The inclusion of a Bhagavad Gita reference in a sex scene in “Oppenheimer” has sparked outrage among the Indian audience, leading to calls for its removal and even calls for a boycott of the film. The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural and religious references in cinematic storytelling and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting diverse religious sentiments.
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