The release of Christopher Nolan's latest film "Oppenheimer" has sparked controversy among some right-wing groups in India, with calls for a boycott and the removal of a sex scene that incorporates a famous line from Hinduism's holy scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, reports CNN on July 24.
The film revolves around the story of Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb, with actor Cillian Murphy portraying Oppenheimer and actress Florence Pugh playing his lover, Jean Tatlock. In the scene in question, Pugh's character interrupts intercourse, picks up the Bhagavad Gita, and asks Murphy to read from it, leading him to utter the iconic line,
"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."
Indian politician Uday Mahurkar, from the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), denounced the film as a disturbing attack on Hinduism and accused it of being part of an anti-Hindu conspiracy. Despite the controversy, "Oppenheimer" has been well-received in India, grossing over $3 mn in its opening weekend.
The Hindu-right's sensitivity towards portrayals of Hinduism in media is not unprecedented, with previous instances of backlash against films, television shows, and commercials for their depiction of the religion. Some productions faced boycotts or were taken off the air due to criticism from conservative and radical groups.
Moreover, there appears to be a shift in tone within some Indian films, with nationalist and Islamophobic narratives garnering support from certain factions, including the BJP. Films like "The Kashmir Files" and "The Kerala Story" have polarised audiences, with some praising them as truthful while others label them as propaganda.
Regarding "Oppenheimer," Cillian Murphy prepared for his role by reading the Bhagavad Gita and found the text inspiring. Oppenheimer himself was drawn to Hinduism and its teachings, evident from his knowledge of Sanskrit and his connection to the Bhagavad Gita. The famous line,
"Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,"
which Oppenheimer quotes after witnessing the first nuclear explosion, holds significant symbolic importance in the film.
Despite the controversy, "Oppenheimer" remains accessible for audiences in India, receiving a U/A rating from the film board, allowing children under 12 to watch it with parental guidance. While the film has faced opposition from certain groups, it has also garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. The discussions surrounding the film's portrayal of Hinduism and its historical context underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding filmmaking in diverse cultural and religious contexts.
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