Rajput leader Raj Shekhawat on Sunday threatened the makers of ’Pushpa 2′, accusing the film of insulting the ‘Kshatriya’ community. Shekhawat in a post on Fahadh Faasil has played the role of the film’s protagonist Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.The Rajput leader has objected to the use of Fahadh Faasil’s character’s surname Shekhawat in ‘Pushpa 2: The rule’. Alleging that the repeated use of the word ‘Shekhawat’ in the film has also insulted the community, he demanded the makers to remove the word from the film.
‘Pushpa 2’ box office
According to the team of ‘Pushpa 2′, the film earned a whopping Rs 294 crore worldwide on the first day of its release. With its tremendous collection, Pushpa 2 has broken the first day record of Shahrukh Khan’s film ’Jawaan’ in Hindi language. it also broke the record of ‘RRR’ of Rs 156 crore and became the biggest domestic opener of all time.
‘Pushpa 2’ cast
Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in the roles of Pushpa Raj, Srivalli and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.
Allu Arjun received National Award
The film’s lead actor Allu Arjun received the National Film Award for his performance in the first part. The first part of Sukumar’s Pushpa featured the smuggling of red sandalwood.
PAA Questions:
Interview with Cultural Expert Dr. Aarav Mehta on the Controversy Surrounding ‘pushpa 2’
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mehta. With the recent controversy surrounding ‘Pushpa 2,’ where Rajput leader Raj Shekhawat accused the film of insulting the Kshatriya community, what are your initial thoughts on the situation?
Dr. Aarav Mehta: Thank you for having me. This incident highlights the increasing sensitivity around cultural representations in cinema. Shekhawat’s concerns about the use of the surname ‘Shekhawat’ by Fahadh Faasil’s character in the film suggests that communities are becoming more vocal about how they are portrayed on screen. Given that Fahadh Faasil plays a character named Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, it’s understandable why he would feel it crosses a line.
Time.news Editor: Do you believe that filmmakers have a responsibility to be mindful of the communities they represent in their work?
Dr. Aarav Mehta: Absolutely. Filmmakers wield significant cultural influence, and with that comes a responsibility to approach subjects with respect and sensitivity.The backlash experienced by ‘Pushpa 2’ indicates that audiences care deeply about how their identities are portrayed. Granting attention to these concerns can foster a more inclusive and thoughtful cinematic landscape.
Time.news Editor: With ‘Pushpa 2’ breaking box office records, including earning Rs 294 crore on its first day and surpassing Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Jawaan,’ how do such financial successes interplay with controversies like this one?
Dr. Aarav Mehta: It’s interesting to note that box office success doesn’t shield a film from controversy. While ‘Pushpa 2’ has achieved monumental earnings and set records as the biggest domestic opener, it demonstrates that commercial success can coexist with public discontent. The conversation it sparks often shapes future narratives and may influence how success is measured in the industry.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to audiences consuming content that includes cultural representations?
Dr.Aarav Mehta: Audiences should engage critically with the films they watch. Understanding a film within its cultural context can lead to insightful discussions about representation. Viewers should also voice their opinions, as this engagement can prompt filmmakers to be more thoughtful in their storytelling. It’s essential to recognize that cinema reflects society, and dialogues around films can drive societal change.
Time.news Editor: Based on your expertise, what implications do you think this controversy has for future film productions and community relations?
Dr. Aarav Mehta: This controversy suggests that future productions may need to undergo more thorough consultation with cultural representatives to avoid similar backlash. It can also promote a dialog between filmmakers and communities, fostering a space for mutual respect and understanding. it’s an prospect for the industry to evolve and adapt to societal expectations, ensuring that diverse narratives receive the consideration they deserve.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Mehta, for sharing your insights on this significant topic. It’s crucial for both the film industry and the audience to engage in meaningful dialogues as we navigate cultural representation in cinema.
Dr. Aarav Mehta: My pleasure! Thank you for highlighting such an critically important issue in today’s entertainment landscape.