All India Cine Workers Association demanding a ban on Adipurush in theatres and OTT

The All India Cine Workers Association, an independent registered organization of film technicians and workers, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the ongoing controversy over Adipurush and demanded a ban on the film in theaters and OTT as well. The body said the movie insulted the mythological Hindu epic Ramayana and demanded its prohibition. They also called for an FIR to be registered against director Om Raut and dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir for violating religious sentiments.

News agency ANI reported on Tuesday afternoon that All India Cine Workers Association had written to PM Modi, requesting him to “stop screening the movie and immediately order a ban of #Adipurush screening in the theaters and OTT platforms in the future.”

In its letter, shared on the organization’s official letterhead, the association’s president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta wrote, “All Indian Cine Workers Association demands ban on screening the movie Adipurush. This movie’s screenplay and dialogues are clearly defaming the image of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Adipurush Movie is hurting religious sentiments of Hindus and Sanatan Dharma.”

Adipurush, which released on Friday, is based on Ramayana, and has been surrounded by controversy over its dialogues and scenes. Many have criticized the normal language used by some characters, especially Hanuman, by claiming that it degrades their respect. The film was also criticized for taking liberties with its plot and deviating from the epic, which is regarded as holy by many Hindus. Adipurush stars Prabhas as Lord Ram/Raghav, Kriti Sanon as Sita/Janaki, Sunny Singh as Lakshman/Sesh, Deva Dutta Nage as Bajrang/Hanuman and Saif Ali Khan as Ravan/Lankesh.