July 21, 2024: In a development that has ignited fervent debate across religious and cinematic circles, the blockbuster film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ finds itself embroiled in a legal controversy following accusations of distorting Hindu religious texts and disrespecting revered deities, by Acharya Pramod.
Directed by Nag Ashwin, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has emerged as a monumental success, dominating the box office charts in the first half of 2024. However, its triumph has been overshadowed by a legal notice served by former Congress leader and Kalki Dham Peethadheeshwar Acharya Pramod Krishnam. The notice, delivered by Supreme Court advocate Ujjawal Anand Sharma, alleges that the film’s portrayal of Lord Kalki diverges significantly from the descriptions found in Hindu Puranic Scriptures.
Kalki 2898 AD hurting Hindu Sentiments – Acharya Pramod
According to the notice, the filmmakers have altered the fundamental depiction of Lord Kalki, a central figure in Hindu belief, triggering concerns of misinformation and potential harm to religious sentiments. “Your movie has changed the basic concept about Lord Kalki, from what has been written and explained in Hindu Puranic Scriptures,” the notice states emphatically.
Acharya Krishnam, a prominent religious figure, expressed deep dismay over the film’s interpretation of Lord Kalki, stressing its potential to mislead millions who hold the scriptures in high reverence. He highlighted recent developments such as the laying of a foundation stone for the Shri Kalki Dham temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the widespread anticipation surrounding Lord Kalki’s prophesied arrival.
Advocate Sharma echoed these sentiments, alleging that the film’s depiction, including scenes reportedly borrowed from the Mahabharat and the portrayal of Lord Kalki’s birth through artificial insemination, amounts to a distortion of sacred beliefs. “Such misrepresentations could lead to significant distress and erosion of faith among the Hindu community,” he warned.
Despite the legal challenge and growing outcry, ‘Kalki 2898 AD‘ continues to enjoy tremendous popularity. However, the film’s future distribution on digital platforms and other media remains uncertain pending the outcome of the legal dispute.
The controversy underscores broader questions about artistic license, religious sensitivity, and the portrayal of cultural and religious icons in modern cinema. As stakeholders await further developments, the case of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between creative expression and respecting deeply held religious beliefs.