KATHMANDU, Sept 10: Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh, Shiv Sena Nepal, Vishwa Hindu Yuva Sangh, Jagatguru Ashram along with 13 organizations associated with Hindu Jagaran Nepal have submitted a request to the Film Development Board to stop screening of the film 'Ek Bhagavad Gita'.
They have argued that the title and characters of the movie have hurt Sanatan Dharma. And accordingly, the Board has reportedly stopped the endorsement process.
Meanwhile, the film makers have registered a complaint against the decision of the Board to stop the process. The movie is scheduled for screening on September 15.
Dispute over film ‘Ek Bhagavad Gita’ resolved
Board spokesperson KL Budhathoki said since the Board and its line Ministry have received complaints an initiative has been taken to hold a dialogue between the two sides.
In the complaint filed at the Board, President of Jagaran Nepal, Ramkrishna Pokhrel, has argued that the title of the film has no connection with the essence of the story and has been used only for commercial purposes. We have no objection if the title of the movie is changed before its release.
Film Producer Sunil Kumar Thapa said that the film was produced after taking approval with the Board about the title.
“The title was approved by the Board and we worked accordingly. Now, if we change the title, we will suffer a commercial loss”, said Thapa. There is a committee to evaluate the film and messages given it. I am ready to accept the decision made after watching the movie. But it will be unfair to us if the evaluation process itself is stopped.
Directed by Jharna Thapa, the film stars Bipin Karki, Suhana Thapa and Dhiraj Magar, among others.