Christopher Nolan’s highly-anticipated film, Oppenheimer, made its global premiere on July 21st, earning over 13 crores in India on its opening day. While the film received rave reviews, a particular scene has sparked controversy among Indian audiences.
The scene in question features a sex sequence between the lead characters, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh, with the recitation of the sacred Hindu text, Bhagavad Gita, in the background. The inclusion of such a revered scripture in an intimate context has left many Indian fans upset and questioning the film’s sensitivity towards their cultural sentiments.
Several Twitter users expressed their views on the controversial scene. One user wrote, “Feeling disappointed with the #Oppenheimer movie’s inappropriate scene involving the Bhagavad Gita. As a Hindu, I expected more sensitivity and respect towards our sacred scriptures.” Another user tweeted, “I’m glad to see the debate on #Oppenheimer’s portrayal of the Bhagavad Gita. Filmmakers must balance artistic expression with cultural respect. It’s essential to approach sensitive topics with care and understanding.” Similarly, another user expressed concern, stating, “The inclusion of Bhagavad Gita in a sex scene in #Oppenheimer is deeply disrespectful. Bollywood must do better in representing our culture and religious beliefs on screen.”
The Hindu epic, Bhagavad Gita, holds significant importance in Oppenheimer’s life, as he was fascinated by Sanskrit and ancient Hindu texts. The film portrays his immersion in the Gita, and it becomes a part of key dialogues, including the famous quote, “Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds,” which Oppenheimer uttered upon witnessing the explosion of the atomic bomb he helped create.
Christopher Nolan’s portrayal of Oppenheimer’s fascination with the Gita, and its profound influence on his life, adds depth to the character. However, the controversial scene has ignited discussions on the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural respect.
