Prabhas and Kriti Sanon starrer Adipurush, a retelling of the epic Ramayana, has been making waves in the global film industry. However, the movie has hit a roadblock in Nepal due to a dialogue controversy, leading to the mayor of Kathmandu imposing a ban on all Indian films until the issue is resolved.
The trouble began when morning shows of Adipurush were canceled in Kathmandu due to security concerns. Following this, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah made an announcement on June 15, 2023, stating that no Hindi films would be allowed to run in the capital until the dialogue “Janaki is the daughter of India” is removed from Adipurush.
Mayor Balendra Shah emphasized the importance of protecting Nepal’s national interest and preserving its freedom, independence, and self-respect. Citing constitutional provisions, he highlighted the responsibility of the government and its agencies to safeguard the nation’s cultural unity and identity.
In a recent Facebook post on June 18, Mayor Balendra Shah reiterated the concerns, stating that allowing the film to be shown in its current form could lead to severe damage to Nepal’s nationality and cultural integrity. He emphasized the potential cultural encroachment and the need to protect the national interest.
The ban imposed by the mayor restricts the exhibition of any Indian films within the Kathmandu metropolitan area until the objectionable parts are removed from Adipurush. This decision aims to prevent the dissemination of misleading information and preserve Nepal’s cultural sovereignty.
Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and produced by prominent entities like T-Series and UV Creations, has already achieved significant success at the box office, grossing over Rs. 240 crores. However, its screening in Nepal faces uncertainty until the dialogue issue is resolved.
As the controversy unfolds, fans and industry observers eagerly await updates on the dialogue controversy and the potential impact on Adipurush’s release in Nepal. Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing saga.
