PIL Before Supreme Court Seeking a Ban on ‘Adipursh’ Movie

(Judicial Quest News Network)

A Public Interset Petition is filed before Apex Court seeking a ban on Om Raut’s ‘Adipursh’  a movie based on the epic Ramayana, for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindusand devotees of several deities depicted in the movie by “destrying their fundamental values and charcters”.

“The following film is a screen adaptation of the Valmiki Ramayana, the greatest Indian epic. While every effort has been made to stay true to the essence and spirit of the original text, certain elements, characters, and events may have been interpreted or modified to suit the screen adaptation. The Filmmakers do not claim this to be a scholarly or religiously authoritative representation of the Valmiki Ramayana. It is a work of worship, utilizing the epic as a source of inspiration.

The petitioner has also strongly objected to some dialogues in the movie, saying that only ‘gully boys’ use such ‘derogatory’ language.

In the plea in Supreme Court, the petitioner Mamta Rani- has prayed that keeping in view the guidelines given under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, a film shall not be certified for public exhibition if that film and any part of it is against the interests of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence. Therefore, the feature film Adipurush is not fit for public exhibition in view of the guidelines given under 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

The Scared fundamental texts/manuscripts are the basic spiritual and physical tenets of a cultured and civilized Society upon which a common man of such Society relies and live accordingly. A man becomes orphan like a fallen leave from the branch of a tree without his Culture and traditions.

The petitioner has alsotaken a serious objection to the diclaimer in the feature film “Adipurush” has made some contradictory statements which can been seen from the following verbatim text from the feature film.

“The following film is a screen adaptation of the Valmiki Ramayana, the greatest Indian epic.

While every effort has been made to stay true to the essence and spirit of the original text, certain elements, characters, and events may have been interpreted or modified to suit the screen adaptation.

The Filmmakers do not claim this to be a scholarly or religiously authoritative representation of the Valmiki Ramayana. It is a work of worship, utilizing the epic as a source of inspiration.

Viewers are encouraged to explore the original Valmiki Ramayana and consult reliable religious or literary sources for a comprehensive understanding of the story. The film may also include dramatizations, and fictional additions.

The adaptation should not be misconstrued as factual or historical representations.

The filmmakers acknowledge the cultural and religious significance of the Valmiki Ramayana and aim to approach the epic with respect and sensitivity. However, individual interpretations of the epic may vary, and this film is not intended to endorse any particular religious or philosophical perspective.

It is also submitted that ‘Adipursh’ is a mockery of Valmiki Ramayana, which has been fuelled by personal commericial gain. “The whole story of the fil has destroyed and modified every aspect of the core values of the characters, theior language and each authentic event,

Now after 5 days the makers has changed the dialogues of the film. The makers recently released a video clip which shows the change in Hanuman ji’s dialogue. Making changes in this dialogue, the word ‘Lanka’ was used instead of the word ‘Baap’ and in this way this dialogue has now become “Kaprateri Lanka ka oil teri Lanka ka, Aagbhiteri Lanka ki aur jalegibhiteri Lanka ki”.

The PIL petition is represented by Advocates Shailender Mani Tripathi, Akash Awana, and Ratnesh Kumar Shukla.

However, according to reports, other dialogues on which the audience had objections have also been changed. But what kind of changes have been made in other dialogues, it will be known only by watching the film. In such a situation, it has to be seen how the audience reacts to these changed dialogues and how much it affects the business of the film.

Several similar petitions are pending before Allahabad, Delshi, and rajasthan High Courts.Recently Delhi High Court has refused to hear the plea urgently, while the Allahabad High Court on Monday has come down heavily and slammed the film makers for portraying religious characters in an ‘objectionable’manner.