Hitendrasinh Rajput, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Gujarat spokesperson says that they haven’t received any official confirmation on changes made by producers of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer action film.

By Mayur Lookhar

Barely few hours after Bajrang Dal activists tore posters of the film Pathaan [2023] at a multiplex in Ahmedabad, a document has surfaced on social media detailing the changes the production house YRF has supposedly incorporated, as recommended by the CBFC [Central Board of Film Certification]. There has been no official confirmation on the same either by CBFC or YRF.

The chief grouse of the right wing members is the Besharam Rnag song where Deepika Padukone briefly sported a saffron color skimpy outfit. While there are changes made to the song, and other scenes, but it appears that the song isn’t going to be dropped from the film.

Speaking to Beyond Bollywood, Hitendrasingh Rajput, spokesperson, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Gujarat, said, “We don’t know the authenticity of the document that you are referring to. We need to see the film. If there is no objectionable content, if all our grievances are addressed, we will call off the protests.”

Rajput was quick to add though that his group will continue to protest till the Besharam Rang song isn’t dropped completely. He says, “The song was released earlier. What difference would it make by just changing the color [of Padukone’s outfit]. They [producers] have succeeded in their intent. You abuse someone, then apologise. But the profane word can’t be taken back.”

Rajput affirmed that his organisation will continue to disrupt the marketing/promotions of the film.

One is entitled to protest in a democracy. As seen during Padmaavat [2018], these protests can turn ugly, resulting in property loss to theatres, with the exhibitors then dropping the contentious film due to security concerns. Also, shouldn’t these protests be done within the frame of the law?

“Not everything can be resolved through law and order,” pat came Rajput’s reply. He continues, “People have different ways to express their sentiments. Even Gandhi ji had protested outside the then law. They [film industry] do anything in the name of freedom of expression. If we go by the usual legal recourse, by that time, the film would have released and succeeded in hurting the sentiments of the Hindu people. So, certain situation require immediate action.”

Rajput hit out at the selective criticism in matters when people are beheaded for alleged blasphemy. The VHP spokesperson closed his argument saying, “If any content hurts Hindu sentiments, if the song is not banned, we will not allow the film to be released.”

Having made 12 changes, Pathaan [2023] is likely to come up for certification again soon. Going by the words of Rajput, the VHP and Bajrang Dal activists will be keeping a close eye on the film once it releases on 25 January. Keep watching this space for more on the Pathaan controversy. Pathaan stars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in leading roles.

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