A few days after its April 10 release, Gopichand Malineni’s first Bollywood film, Jaat, was the subject of criticism. For “hurting sentiments,” Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and three other people were the targets of a formal complaint. The director addressed the contentious sequence in an interview with the media, saying that.
After a FIR was lodged, the church scene was deleted from Jaat
Jaat’s group issued a statement on Friday regarding the scene’s removal from the movie. They wrote, “There has been a backlash for a specific scene in the film,” making it clear that they never meant to offend anyone’s views. The moment has been immediately cut out of the movie. We didn’t mean to offend anyone’s religious feelings. We sincerely apologise and have immediately removed the clip from the movie. Deeply regret any offence caused to anyone’s beliefs.
The Incident That Started the Debate
The flashpoint is a specific scene in Jaat that stars Randeep Hooda as Ranatunga, the antagonist of the movie. His figure is shown in the scenario standing inside a church beneath a cross, his arms extended in a position that closely recalls Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. As terrified people or followers watch in silence, his presence conjures up a godlike figure.
The combination of violent visuals and religious iconography has particularly angered many members of the Christian community. Before he opens fire inside the church during a prayer session, Randeep’s character makes a particularly contentious claim: he is sent by Jesus Christ. Viewers, who perceive this as a degradation of a sacred environment, are further distressed by the blood splashed on holy objects and the broken glass.
The film has been labelled “deeply offensive” due to these images and a conversation in the trailer that demonstrators claim could promote anti-Christian sentiments. The film’s release, which came just days after Good Friday, has been questioned by community leaders as an additional provocation.
What Reaction Has the Christian Community Had?
Christian community members in Punjab, particularly in Jalandhar, mobilised quickly. First, the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police received a formal complaint. Prominent local leader Viklav Goldy referred to the movie as “an attack on Christian faith.” They threatened societal upheaval if nothing was done.
Social media users started sharing videos of demonstrators outside theatres yelling “Randeep Hooda Murdabad” and other such phrases. Large-scale protests outside movie theatres were part of the original plans, but the police stepped in to stop the public protests.
Rather, the Joint Commissioner of Police received a memorandum from community groups. Among their demands are the following: a prohibition on Jaat’s theatrical release, legal action against the cast and crew, and the removal of any offending scenes from all platforms. In addition, the neighbourhood threatened to stage public protests if nothing was done and gave officials a 48-hour ultimatum.
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