BJP leader Hari Bhushan Thakur Bachaul has threatened to stall the release of the Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starter film 'Pathaan' in Bihar.
The controversy around 'Pathaan' was triggered after Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra objected to a song from the film titled 'Besharam Rang', claiming that it hurt religious sentiments of the Hindu community. Mishra said the way the colours saffron and green have been used in the costumes used in the song is objectionable.
"It was a dirty effort by the makers of the film to weaken the 'Sanatan' culture of the country. The saffron colour is a symbol of 'Sanatan' culture," Bachaul said.
"The sun is of saffron colour and the colour of fire is also saffron. It is a symbol of sacrifice. The film's makers have described saffron as a 'Besharam' (shameless) colour, which is extremely unfortunate and objectionable. The short dress of the heroine is a show of vulgarity. This is the reason why majority of the countrymen are demanding to boycott the film," he said.
"We will not allow the movie to be released in theatres in Bihar. The BJP workers will protest at all the cinema halls," he said.
Reacting to Bachaul's remarks, JD-U leader Upendra Kushwaha said: "No political party has the copyright of any particular colour. The BJP is unnecessarily creating controversy."
The controversy around the 'Pathaan' song echoed in the Lok Sabha on Monday as BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali slammed those demanding a ban on the movie, saying the job of clearing films should be left to the Central Board of Film Certification. As the Lok Sabha took up issues of urgent importance, the BSP leader said many linked to the ruling party - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - were demanding a ban on the film claiming it has hurt Hindu feelings.
He said similar demands have also been made by an "Ulema board".
"It is a new trend, those in the government are demanding that the film be banned... Someone from the Ulema board also said the Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone film should be banned," Ali said.
"The job of banning movies should be left to the censor board. There are many artistes among our members. Sanatan Dharma is not so weak that it would be in danger due to someone wearing a colour... Nor is Islam so weak that a movie may hurt it," said Ali.
"Such threats should not be made," he added.
'Pathaan' is set to hit the screens on January 25, 2023.
