A complaint has been filed before the chief judicial magistrate in Lucknow against the upcoming mythological drama Adipurush.
The complaint has been filed under Section 156(3) of the Code for Criminal Procedure. The section permits any officer in charge of a police station, without the order of a Magistrate, to investigate any cognisable case that a court having jurisdiction over the local area would have the power to inquire into.
The complaint is filed against actors Saif Ali Khan, Prabhas, and Kriti Sanon; and against the film’s director Om Raut, producer Bhushan Kumar and unnamed others.
It has been filed by a lawyer and self-proclaimed social activist named Pramod Kumar Pandey who has alleged that in the film’s teaser, Hanuman and Lord Ram have been depicted in a manner that is ‘hurtful’ to Hindu sentiments. Pandey has taken umbrage to the fact that Raavan, played by Saif Ali Khan is seen wearing leather. He is also peeved by the manner in which Lord Ram, played by Prabhas has been depicted but does not specify what his grievance is directed against.
Pandey also claims to have written to the Censor Board to stop the release of the film. He has also written to the district’s police commissioner. However, neither has elicited any response. Hence, the complaint to the court to direct that an FIR under appropriate sections be lodged and action be taken against the named respondents.
Ever since the trailer of the film has released, there is a steady stream of objections to it.
Chakrapani Maharaj, chairperson of the All India Hindu Mahasabha has demanded that the actors and the film’s makers tender an apology from the Lal Qila. “They must apologise for the Islamification of our revered mythological characters and also promise that changes will be made to the movie to the movie before it is released. If that is not done, Hindus will protest against the movie,” Chakrapani said.
