Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has stirred a new controversy by announcing a ban on Indian movies within the capital territory of Nepal. The decision comes as a response to the upcoming Indian film “Adipurush” and its portrayal of the birthplace of Sita, a central character in the Hindu epic “Ramayana.”
Mayor Shah took this step after placing a map of “Greater Nepal” at his office in retaliation to the “Akhand Bharat” mural in the new Indian Parliament building. He argued that until the alleged mistake about Sita’s birthplace is corrected in both India and Nepal, no Indian movies will be allowed to be exhibited within the Kathmandu metropolitan city limit.
The controversy surrounding “Adipurush” arises from a mention in the film that states “Sita is the daughter of India.” This statement has drawn criticism and raised concerns among Nepalese officials and citizens who believe that Sita’s birthplace is in Nepal.
In response to the controversy, Nepal’s Censor Board has decided to withhold permission for the release of the movie within the country. The board’s decision aligns with Mayor Shah’s stance and reflects the sentiment that the film’s portrayal of Sita’s origins is inaccurate and disrespectful.
“Adipurush,” written and directed by Om Raut and produced by T-Series and Retrophiles, is an epic mythological film shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu languages. The movie has already faced controversy in India as well.
Discussion about this post