“Dialogue Controversy Sparks Cinema Showdown: Nepali Cities Ban Indian Films Amid Adipurush Row”

In a surprising turn of events, the release of the Hindi film Adipurush has ignited a heated dialogue controversy in Nepal. The film contained a dialogue that referred to Janaki, the consort of Lord Ram, as “India’s daughter.” This sparked objections from Nepali authorities, including the mayors of Kathmandu and Pokhara. In response, both cities have imposed bans on the screening of Indian films, with cinema halls replacing them with Hollywood and Nepali movies. This article delves into the unfolding controversy, exploring the reasons behind the bans, the reactions of the mayors, the film company’s response, and the impact on the film industry in Nepal.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the Pokhara Metropolitan City have taken a strong stance against the screening of Indian films following the Adipurush dialogue row. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah announced the ban on Indian films, highlighting the objectionable dialogue and its potential harm to Nepal’s national interest. Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya swiftly followed suit, issuing directives to cinema halls in the city to cease screening Bollywood films. As a result, moviegoers in both cities can expect a shift to Hollywood and Nepali movies as alternatives.

The Reasons Behind the Bans                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The objection to the dialogue in Adipurush stems from its portrayal of Janaki, a revered figure in Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage, as “India’s daughter.” Nepali authorities, including the mayors, argue that this undermines Nepal’s national identity, cultural unity, and self-respect. They express concerns about the potential damage to the country’s sovereignty and the encroachment of Indian culture.

The Mayors’ Statements and Actions:                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mayor Balendra Shah of Kathmandu and Mayor Dhanraj Acharya of Pokhara have made strong statements about protecting Nepal’s national interest and preserving its freedom and independence. They emphasize the duty of all government authorities and citizens to safeguard Nepal’s identity and unity. Kathmandu Mayor Shah took to Facebook to announce the ban and deployed the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police to enforce it. With cinema halls being a major platform for film screenings, their actions have significant implications for the film industry and movie enthusiasts in Nepal.

The Film Company’s Response:                                                                                                                                                                                              The production company of Adipurush, T-Series, responded to the controversy by writing a letter to the Nepali Mayor. They clarified that it was never their intention to cause disharmony and explained that the dialogue aimed to show respect towards women. T-Series requested that the film be viewed in its artistic form, urging support for its intention to generate interest in history among a wider audience.

The Adipurush dialogue row has sparked bans on Indian films in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with the controversy revolving around a dialogue referring to Janaki as “India’s daughter.” The mayors of both cities have taken a firm stand to protect Nepal’s national interest and cultural unity, expressing concerns about the potential damage to the country’s identity. The film company, T-Series, has responded by defending its artistic intentions and emphasizing the importance of reaching a larger audience. As the ban on Indian films takes effect, the film industry in Nepal faces significant challenges, while moviegoers eagerly await the resolution of the controversy.