Christopher Nolan’s directorial 'Oppenheimer' starring Cillian Murphy has been constantly under the scanner ever since its release.
From critics to reviewers, several people from across the country have expressed disappointment over the intimate scene in the film featuring a copy of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’, a holy scripture of the Hindus, which has triggered online fury in India. The scene has angered the audience in India, many of whom vented their fury online, calling out Nolan for hurting religious sentiments.
According to sources, India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has taken a stern view of the controversial scene. The minister has demanded absolute accountability from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in response to the objectionable scene.
The Minister has directed the filmmakers to promptly remove the controversial scene from the film. Moreover, he has warned that stringent action will be taken against all CBFC members involved in approving the screening of the movie, according to sources.
Anurag Thakur expressed his displeasure over the CBFC's failure to safeguard the interests of the public, emphasising that such negligence cannot be overlooked. He asserted that the board members would be held responsible for their actions, signalling a clear message of accountability.
Earlier, the Information Commissioner of the Union government, Uday Mahurkar, had voiced his misgivings over the scene and hit out at the filmmaker.
Speaking to ANI, Mahurkar 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 civilisation. It's an assault on the Hindu community."
Further, calling on Nolan to delete the offensive scene from the film, he 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 added.
The biopic, set during World War II, follows Robert J. Oppenheimer, known as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb”. The film has an A-list Hollywood star cast comprising Cillian Murphy in the title role, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, Florence Pugh, and Jack Quaid. The movie was released in theatres worldwide, including India, on July 21.
(ANI)