'I&B ministry should probe...' Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' in row over Bhagavad Gita in sex scene
By Team Newsable | First Published Jul 23, 2023, 3:51 PM ISTUday Mahurkar, an Information Commissioner associated with the government of India, raised concerns about the movie's approval by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to a scene that features Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) reading the Bhagavad Gita during an intimate moment, portraying his passionate relationship with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh).
The biopic of Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant mind behind the world's first atomic bomb, premiered on Friday. While the film has been a box office success, a particular scene in the Christopher Nolan epic has sparked controversy among some Indian movie-goers. Uday Mahurkar, an Information Commissioner with the government of India, expressed concern over the approval of the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to this scene. In the scene, Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) is depicted reading the Bhagavad Gita during a moment of intimacy. This portrayal of Oppenheimer's passionate relationship with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh) has been deemed offensive by some viewers.
MOVIE OPPENHEIMER’S ATTACK ON BHAGWAD GEETA
Press Release of Save Culture Save India Foundation
Date: July 22, 2023
It has come to the notice of Save Culture Save India Foundation that the movie Oppenheimer which was released on 21st July contains scenes which make a scathing… pic.twitter.com/RmJI0q9pXi
The 'Save Culture Save India Foundation' called for an urgent investigation by the I & B Ministry, demanding severe punishment for those involved in the scene's inclusion.
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Although 'Oppenheimer' is Christopher Nolan's first film to include a sex scene, it was deemed important to accurately depict the physicist's life and his connection to the Bhagavad Gita. The film initially received an R-rating, but the studio made edits to the sex scene to reduce its length, enabling it to obtain a U/A rating from India's censor board.
Social media users have slammed the wrong portrayal of the Bhagavad Gita
Oppenheimer was a good movie, but I am deeply disappointed by the flippant and disrespectful way it depicted the Bhagavad Gita. Do better, Hollywood.
— Anagha Krishnan (@anaghakrishnana)Disheartening to hear about the controversy in India over a sex scene featuring Bhagavad Gita. As creators, it's crucial to balance artistic expression with cultural sensitivity. Let's hope for thoughtful dialogue & understanding.
— Alok Nayak (@alok_nayak)Oppenheimer Bhagavad Gita lyrics come in this movie.But I heard that they have shown it very wrongly.I am reading Bhagavad Gita daily😟 Bhagavad Gita lines should be removed from that film.A very popular director has done a heinous act pic.twitter.com/G8UI27FFUw
— Azarutheen K S (@Azarutheenks)It’s shameful to see makers of disrespecting sacred . I will surely NOT watch as such unwanted and unethical movie scenes hurt religious sentiments. Immediate removal of such scenes is must ! https://t.co/5Gjp8pFB2n
— Nikhil Bhalwankar (@NBhalwankar)Aside from the sex scene, the Bhagavad Gita has significant relevance in Oppenheimer, reflecting the physicist's fascination with Sanskrit and ancient Hindu texts. In real life, Oppenheimer delved into the teachings of the Gita, finding it philosophical, although he did not consider himself a conventional Hindu.
One memorable quote from the Gita, "Now I have become Death, destroyer of worlds," holds a pivotal role in the film as Oppenheimer grapples with the devastating power of the atomic bomb he helped create.
Despite the controversy, the film received praise from film critics for its portrayal of Robert Oppenheimer's life and achievements.
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