A Kannada movie titled ‘Ramana Avatara’ has stirred controversy even before its anticipated release. Based on reports from Public TV, following the unveiling of its trailer, members of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) lodged a formal complaint on April 19, 2023, with the censor board, insisting on the removal of objectionable content from the film.
HJS condemns disrespect to Bhagwan Ram in ‘Ramana Avatara’ trailer
The trailer of the Kannada movie ‘Ramana Avatara’, helmed by directors Vikas Pampavati and Vinay, sparked outcry from the HJS, alleging disrespect towards Bhagwan Ram. The organization has vociferously demanded the excision of scenes deemed offensive from the movie. Additionally, several complaints have been registered at various police stations across the region.
Mohan Gowda, the president of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, expressed grave concerns over the portrayal of Bhagwan Shree Ram in the film, asserting that it amounts to an insult to Hindu deities and sentiments. “The depiction of Shree Rama being pursued by the police, accompanied by vulgar exchanges between Shree Rama and Sita, is deeply offensive and violative of Hindu Religious Act under IPC Sections 295, 298A, and 295A,” Gowda asserted, emphasizing the gravity of the alleged transgressions.
Demanding immediate action from the censor board, Gowda urged for the removal of objectionable scenes and threatened legal action against the film’s production team. “We will implore the film chamber to address this grievance promptly. The Samiti will not hesitate to initiate criminal proceedings against the movie team for the egregious offense of hurting Hindu sentiments,” he cautioned.
After a year of controversy, ‘Ramana Avatara’ set to release on May 10, despite HJS’s complaint
In April 2023, Hindu organizations carried out a protest after the teaser of the movie stirred up immense controversy by insulting Bhagwan Ram and disregarding religious sentiments. Yet, no changes seem to have been made in the film.
In response to the outcry, appeals have been made to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce by Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, calling for the prohibition of the movie ‘Ramana Avatara’. The movie, slated for release on May 10th, has drawn widespread condemnation for allegedly denigrating Prabhu Shri Ram and the revered epic Ramayana, thereby offending the religious sensibilities of millions of Hindus.
On May 6th, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti issued a press release expressing their concern over scenes in the movie ‘Ramana Avatara’ that they believe inflict distress upon the religious sentiments of Hindus, by depicting scenarios involving Sri Rama and events from the epic Ramayana. They urged for the removal of such scenes from the film, emphasizing that while the movie claims to depict the story of Sri Rama from the Treta Yuga, in reality, it has nothing to do with Ramayana as it is a “comedy” film. Consequently, they insist on a change in the movie’s title to reflect its original nature.
From PK to ‘Ramana Avatara’
It’s not the first instance where Hindu sentiments have been hurt by the cinema. Hindi films like PK and Lal Singh Chadda, starring Aamir Khan, were also criticized for scenes perceived as anti-Hindu and disrespectful to Hindu dharma. Recently, Nayanthara asked for an apology regarding the controversial anti-Hindu Annapoorani film. Hindus often find themselves portrayed in films as comedic caricatures, with their sentiments trivialized for entertainment purposes. Unlike in the case of Islamists, where such depictions are often met with strong opposition and censorship, Hindu organizations find themselves continuously questioning filmmakers, yet their actions seem to go unchecked. This asymmetry raises questions about why only Hindus are targeted in this manner and why their concerns are not given the same level of consideration.
