Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, criticized the film certification agency, often known as the censor board, today for 'objectionable' portions in the 'Oppenheimer' film, which was released in India last weekend.
According to sources, Mr. Thakur is furious with the Central Board of Film Certification over a sequence in the film in which Cillian Murphy is shown reciting from the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu sacred text, while getting intimate. Mr. Thakur has directed that the moment be removed from the film, questioning how it passed the certification body's filters. According to sources, action may be taken against those officials who are thought to be guilty.
On Friday, a biopic of Robert Oppenheimer, the inventor of the first atomic weapon, was released. The Christopher Nolan epic's contentious scene has infuriated some Indian moviegoers even if the movie has made the box office ring. People from throughout the country have expressed displeasure with the intimate moment in the film utilizing a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, considered a holy scripture by Hindus, which has sparked internet outrage in India.
Hindus have been celebrating the mention of the Bhagwad Gita in the Oppenheimer movie, but they are left angry and perplexed at the blatant disrespect of the Gita by Hollywood.
— Harris Sultan (@TheHarrisSultan) July 21, 2023
Mentioning holy verses while having sex is considered disrespectful and racist. #BoycottOpenheimer pic.twitter.com/Gvgi5Brsx4
Mr. Thakur has given the filmmakers immediate instructions to cut the contentious section from the movie. Additionally, he has warned that any CBC members engaged in permitting the movie's screening will face harsh punishment, according to sources.
Anurag Thakur voiced his concern over the CBC's inability to protect the public's interests, stressing that such carelessness cannot be disregarded. He emphasized accountability by stating that the board members would be held accountable for their deeds.
Uday Mahurkar, the Union government's information commissioner, also criticized the film and expressed his concerns about the sequence. He said, "It's (the scene) an insult to Bhagavad Gita, which is our holy book. It sends out powerful and meaningful messages to the entire world. How could someone demean it this way? The scene is an assault on our values and civilization. It's an assault on the Hindu community.” He further added, "Nolan should remove this scene from the film. It reeks of religious hatred. If he doesn't take out the scene, we will act.” He who is also the founder of Save Culture, Save India, took to twitter and said that the scene was was an attack on Hinduism.
MOVIE OPPENHEIMER’S ATTACK ON BHAGWAD GEETA
— Uday Mahurkar (@UdayMahurkar) July 22, 2023
Press Release of Save Culture Save India Foundation
Date: July 22, 2023
It has come to the notice of Save Culture Save India Foundation that the movie Oppenheimer which was released on 21st July contains scenes which make a scathing… pic.twitter.com/RmJI0q9pXi
Robert J. Oppenheimer, called the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," is the subject of the biopic, which is set during World War II.
The leading cast of the movie includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Jack Quaid in addition to Cillian Murphy, who plays the titular role.