Fiction vs. Religion: Hindu Activist Sues Makers Of Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan Starrer Kalki 2898 AD. Kalki 2898 AD is once again in the media limelight but this time around the makers of the film have been sent a legal notice by spiritual guru Acharya Pramod Krishnan. He alleged that Kalki 2898 AD has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu religion.
Krishnan has issues with the content of the film. He said it was blatantly disrespectful to Hindu scriptures. However, it should be noted that Kalki 2898 AD is a work of fiction. It is a fusion of Indian mythology, science, and futuristic storytelling. Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD has received acclaim worldwide.
Worldwide collection of Kalki 2898 AD
In the first 24 days of its release, the film has grossed about Rs 900 crore and is set to cross the Rs 1000 crore mark. Kalki 2898 AD, which also stars Deepika Padukone, has become a blockbuster. However, the makers of the film are being sued by Krishnan, who said it tarnished Hindu mythology and mislead devout Hindus.
He defended the legal notice saying India is a land of emotions, faith, and devotion, and that the values of Sanatan Dharma should not be played with. The Hindu activist said the scriptures of Sanatana should not be altered.
Touching on the characterization, Krishnan highlighted that Lord Kalki Narayan is at the center of the Hindu faith and is considered the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He added that Kalki 2898 AD goes against the scriptures, hurting religious sentiments.
Krishnan rebuked filmmakers for playing with Hindu sentiments – portraying saints as demons – saying it has become the industry’s pastime. He said freedom of expression does not mean that one can play with one’s faith.
This is not the first time that the depiction of religious figures or themes in films has been criticized. Ranveer Singh – Deepika Padukone film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) drew backlash for the use of ‘Ram-Leela’ in the title, and PK starring Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma was heavily criticized for questioning faith and religion.
