Ban Adipurush, says Ayodhya Ram Temple head priest; 'Making movies is not a crime...'

• Image Credit: Internet

• Oct 6, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

Digital Desk: In the midst of the ongoing
controversy over the teaser for the Bollywood film Adipurush, which allegedly
depicts Lord Ram, Hanuman, and Ravana incorrectly, the head priest of the Ram
temple in Ayodhya demanded an immediate ban on the film on Wednesday. He
claimed that the portrayal of Lord Ram, Hanuman, and Ravana violates the epic
and thus violates their dignity. Making a film is not a crime, but it should
not be done to intentionally create controversies in order to gain attention,
according to chief priest Satyendra Das.

The
movie's 1.46-minute teaser was released in Ayodhya on Sunday, sparking
controversy.

The
teaser was condemned by Uttar Pradesh deputy chief ministers Kesav Prasad
Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, who said disrespect for Hindu gods and goddesses
would not be tolerated. "Whatever the saints have said requires
attention." Hindus' feelings have frequently been hurt by films. When our
culture was under attack, it was these saints and akharas who defended it.
Pathak said in a statement, "We are proud of our culture."

On
Wednesday, Keshav Maurya stated that while he did not watch the teaser, if it
has offended religious sentiments, it must be corrected before being shown to
the public.

Earlier,
BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash claimed that the film's creators did not
conduct any research before creating Ravana's character. "The Ravana in
the photograph I've seen floating around is a guy who doesn't look Indian at
all, has blue eye makeup, and wears leather jackets. They are representing our
history; they cannot do so under the guise of creative liberty "She
stated. In the film, Saif Ali Khan plays Ravana, Prabhas plays Lord Ram, and
Kriti Sanon plays Sita.

The
Vishva Hindu Parishad objected to the teaser, claiming that the portrayal of
Lord Ram, Ravana, and Lakshman is a mockery of Hinduism. "Hindu society's
values have been mocked. This will not be tolerated by Hindu society
"According to Ajay Sharma, Prachar Pramukh of the VHP's Sambhal unit.
"The VHP will not allow this film to be shown in theatres," he
continued.

Madhya
Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra threatened legal action on Tuesday if the
scenes depicting Hindu religious figures were not removed.

"Hanuman ji is depicted wearing leather, whereas the
description of the deity's costume (in the scriptures) differs... These are
scenes that offend religious sensibilities. I'm writing to Om Raut to request
that all such scenes be removed from the film. "We will consider legal
action if it is not removed," Mishra said.