Christopher Nolan‘s latest film, “Oppenheimer,” released on July 21, has garnered widespread praise from reviewers and fans alike. Nonetheless, a particular Intimate Scene in ‘Oppenheimer’, involving a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered holy text in Hinduism, has stirred up considerable controversy and dismayed numerous Indian viewers.
Intimate Scene in ‘Oppenheimer’ draws Controversy
Several individuals voiced their displeasure on social networking sites. They Criticized the directors for including such a scene. Some even claimed that if this sequence had been part of a Bollywood film, they would have targeted theaters for destruction. Comparisons were drawn to the possible response in that scenario.
Throughout history, people have perceived art as a powerful form of expression that transcends boundaries. And defies limitations while exploring a range of human emotions and experiences. Nonetheless, the portrayal of the Bhagavad Gita in an intimate setting has prompted certain individuals to ponder if there are any constraints on artistic expression.
Social Media Calls for Boycott and Removal of Controversial Scene
Uday Mahurkar, speaking on behalf of the Save Culture Save India Foundation, expressed extreme concern. The concern was about how the sequence was portrayed and its potential adverse impact on religious emotions. In an open letter to the producers of “Oppenheimer,” he urged the Union Information to respond appropriately to the situation. As well as the Broadcasting Ministry.
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The letter in question has drawn attention to a scene in the film ‘Oppenheimer’ that appears to be a scathing attack on Hinduism. According to reports on social media, a lady compels a man to recite Bhagwad Geeta aloud during a sexual encounter. While she holds a copy of the sacred text in her hand.
As noted in the statement, the motivation and rationale behind including such an unnecessary scene in a film centered around the life of a scientist remain unclear. However, it is evident that the scene directly challenges the religious beliefs of a billion peace-loving Hindus.
The letter requests the complete removal of the Intimate Scene in ‘Oppenheimer’. To uphold the dignity of the revered scripture and its significance in Hinduism. The absence of appropriate action in this matter will be deemed as a deliberate and malicious attack on Indian civilization.
Centered around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a distinguished physicist often referred to as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb,” the World War II-era movie “Oppenheimer” boasts an outstanding cast. Notably, it features Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Jack Quaid, alongside Cillian Murphy, who takes on the main role.
In response to the incident, certain Twitter users expressed their anger and called for a boycott of the film. They stressed the significance of truthful and reverent representations of Hinduism in Western media.
How J. Robert Oppenheimer and Bhagavad Gita Is Related
Interestingly, in real life, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Bhagavad Gita did have a connection. The scientist studied Sanskrit and was influenced by the ancient Indian scripture. He is well-known for having contributed in making atomic bomb. He even cited a Bhagavad Gita phrase in an interview after seeing the first nuclear weapon explode on July 16, 1945. The passage in question is “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” which is uttered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the original context.
Oppenheimer’s translation of the verse has been criticised by certain academics, notably noted author Devdutt Pattnaik. The correct translation, according to Pattnaik, should be “kaal-asmi,” which translates to “I am time, destroyer of the world,” as opposed to “I am death.”
Box Office Success despite the Oppenheimer Controversy
Despite the controversy, Oppenheimer has garnered favorable reviews in India it gathered box office success. Surpasses the Rs 30 crore mark just two days after its debut.
The ongoing discussion surrounding the intimate scene highlights the importance of filmmakers striking a balance between artistic license and cultural sensitivity. Filmmakers must be mindful of the potential impact their work may have on religious beliefs. And cultural sensitivities while still respecting artistic expression. It remains intriguing to observe how the filmmakers and relevant authorities will address the issues.
