Title: Controversy Erupts Over Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” Movie in India
New Delhi, CNN — Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster movie “Oppenheimer” has sparked controversy among the Hindu-right in India, with some calling for a boycott and demanding the removal of a sex scene that includes a reference to a Hindu scripture.
The film, which tells the story of the atomic bomb through the lens of its creator Robert Oppenheimer, features a scene in which Cillian Murphy, who plays the lead role, engages in a sex scene with Florence Pugh, who portrays his lover Jean Tatlock. During the intimate moment, Pugh pauses and picks up a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture of Hinduism, asking Murphy to read from it.
The controversy erupted when conservative and right-wing groups in India accused the film of being a “disturbing attack on Hinduism” and part of a larger conspiracy against the religion. A politician from India’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a boycott, igniting a heated debate.
In response to the outcry, India’s Information Commissioner, Uday Mahurkar, issued a statement condemning the scene as “a direct assault on religious beliefs” and likening it to “waging a war on the Hindu community.” He urged the filmmakers to remove the scene to win the hearts of Hindus and establish a harmonious relationship.
Despite the controversy, “Oppenheimer” has received positive reviews and has been well-received by audiences in India. The film earned over $3 million in its opening weekend, surpassing other highly anticipated releases.
India’s film board assigned “Oppenheimer” a U/A rating, allowing children under 12 to watch the movie with parental guidance. As of now, no bans on the film have been imposed in any of the country’s states or union territories.
This is not the first time the Hindu-right in India has objected to the portrayal of Hinduism in movies, television shows, or commercials. Previous instances have resulted in boycotts or forced removals of content.
The controversy surrounding “Oppenheimer” reflects an ongoing shift in the tone of Indian films, with some narratives promoting nationalism and Islamophobia gaining support within the country.
Interestingly, Murphy had read the Bhagavad Gita as part of his preparation for the film. He described it as an “absolutely beautiful text” and explained how it had provided Oppenheimer consolation throughout his life.
Oppenheimer himself, known as the “father” of the atomic bomb, was drawn to Hinduism and its teachings. Amidst interviews after the Trinity test bomb, he famously quoted the Bhagavad Gita, saying, “Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” This line is included in multiple instances throughout the movie, including the controversial sex scene.
As the controversy surrounding “Oppenheimer” continues, it highlights the ongoing struggles between artistic expression, religious sensitivity, and cultural debates in India’s entertainment industry.
Sources:
– CNN: New Delhi – Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” movie sparks controversy among Hindu-right in India.
– Uday Mahurkar’s statement on Twitter.
– Film earnings in India according to local reports.
– India’s film board rating for “Oppenheimer.”
– Previous controversies involving Hinduism in popular media.
– Vivek Agnihotri’s “The Kashmir Files” and “The Kerala Story”: polarizing reactions, support, and criticism.
– Cillian Murphy’s preparation for the film and the inspiration he drew from the Bhagavad Gita.
– Robert Oppenheimer’s affiliation with Hinduism and his famous quote from the Bhagavad Gita.