In light of recent protests and boycott calls surrounding the upcoming film Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to refrain from making “unnecessary comments” about the film industry. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), has voiced his support for PM Modi’s statement.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Pandit stated, “If the PM snubs his own people and tells them to shut up and not talk nonsense against the film industry, which is not their area, for mere publicity, it is a big boost of confidence for the industry. That the PM of the country is with you. The signal goes to not only the politicians, but even people from the media, our own industry itself.”
This statement from PM Narendra Modi came at the end of the two-day National Executive of the BJP, during which he laid out a series of guidelines for party leaders. His warning against “unnecessary comments on irrelevant subjects like movies” was in response to recent boycott calls against Bollywood films by some leaders and social media users.
Pathaan will it survive the boycott call?
Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand and also starring John Abraham, is set to be released in theaters on January 25th. The Central Board of Film Certification had previously directed the film’s makers to make certain changes, including to its songs.
Recently, there have been numerous calls for boycotting various films by certain factions of the right wing including the recent Shah Rukh Khan upcoming movie Pathaan. The most recent film to face such backlash is “Pathaan,” specifically due to the song “Besharam Rang.”
Critics argue that the orange bikini worn by lead actress Deepika Padukone in the Pathaan song is offensive to religious sentiments. Court petitions have been filed and in one, the petitioner even demanded that legal action be taken against the film’s main cast.
Narottam Mishra, a critic, has also spoken out against the song, stating that it reflects a “dirty mindset” and that even the title of the song is controversial.
Commenting on PM Modi’s remarks at the Party Meeting Narottam said “His every word and every sentence is important for us. That’s why all the workers have brought inspiration from there. Our conduct and behavior have been filled with their guidance and energy, and will continue to be filled.”
At the recent National Executive meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and diversity. He urged party leaders to refrain from making unnecessary comments and to reach out to all communities, including minorities like Bohras, Pasmandas and Sikhs, without any electoral considerations.
PM Modi emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not just a political movement but a social movement that aims to improve socio-economic conditions. The meeting was attended by over 350 ministers, leaders, and workers.
Bollywood, has been embroiled in various controversies over the years. These controversies have ranged from charges of plagiarism, to accusations of promoting offensive stereotypes, to censorship issues.
Some have also criticized Bollywood for its lack of representation of marginalized communities, as well as for its portrayal of women. Despite these controversies, Bollywood continues to be a major cultural force in India and around the world, with a huge following among fans.