Oppenheimer India Controversy : Get details here

"Oppenheimer" has obtained a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification in India. This rating signifies that the movie contains content with moderate adult themes. Children under the age of 12 can watch the film under the guidance and supervision of parents or guardians.

India’s Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar’s Statement 

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, India's Information Commissioner, Uday Mahurkar, issued a formal statement regarding the film. 

In his statement, Commissioner Mahurkar expressed his concerns about a particular scene in the film, characterizing it as "a direct assault on the religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus." 

He further likened this scene to "waging a war on the Hindu community." The Commissioner's remarks reflect the seriousness with which he views the potential impact of the film on religious sentiments and underscore the need for a sensitive approach to matters involving diverse faiths and communities.

Statement of Broadcasting Union Minister Anurag Thakur

In a recent development, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, has taken action regarding the film Oppenheimer, which was released in India last Thursday. The Minister has formally requested an explanation from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) concerning an "objectionable" scene present in the film.

In response to the concerns raised over the film Oppenheimer, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Anurag Thakur, has taken a decisive stance. He has directed that accountability pertaining to the issuance of the film's certification be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

Additionally, Minister Thakur has suggested that the filmmakers may be requested to remove the specific scene deemed objectionable. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India, had already ordered the removal of one fleeting instance of a swear word in the film, in addition to the changes made by the distributor for the India release.

Reason Of Controversy Against Oppenheimer 

The film Oppenheimer has found itself embroiled in controversy among certain Hindu right-wing groups in India due to a particular sex scene involving actors Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh.

• In the scene, Pugh's character, Jean Tatlock, interrupts the intercourse and takes up a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hinduism. She requests Murphy's character, Dr. J Robert Oppenheimer, the lead role in the film, to read from it.

• The contentious moment occurs when Oppenheimer recites the line, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds," from the Bhagavad Gita, after which the intercourse resumes between the characters.

This portrayal has raised objections from certain Hindu right-wing groups, who perceive it as disrespectful and insensitive towards their religious beliefs and sacred scriptures.

As the controversy unfolds, it is important to recognize that films can have a significant impact on public perceptions and emotions, especially when they involve sensitive topics and religious symbolism. The filmmakers, distributors, and regulatory bodies may need to address these concerns thoughtfully, acknowledging the need for artistic freedom while remaining respectful of diverse religious sentiments.

Who is Oppenheimer 

J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967) was a prominent American theoretical physicist renowned for his significant contributions to the field. Notably, during the Manhattan Project, he assumed the role of director at the Los Alamos Laboratory, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing and leading the research and design efforts related to the development of an atomic bomb. Due to his central role in this historic endeavor, he is often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb."

Conclusion 

The controversy surrounding the film Oppenheimer, specifically the sex scene involving Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh's characters and the use of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, is a sensitive issue that has sparked strong reactions from certain Hindu right-wing groups in India