Key Points:
- Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda’s film ‘Jaat’ is embroiled in controversy over a church scene deemed offensive by the Christian community.
- Community leaders allege the scene insults Jesus Christ and the sanctity of the church, demanding a ban and FIR against the filmmakers.
- Protests were planned in Punjab, but police intervention led to a formal complaint and a 48-hour ultimatum for action.
- The film, despite controversy, has grossed over ₹50 crore in six days.
- Social media backlash and boycott calls intensify, with threats of escalated protests if demands are not met.
New Delhi: Sunny Deol’s latest action thriller ‘Jaat’, also starring Randeep Hooda and Viineet Kumar Singh, has found itself at the center of a heated controversy just six days after its theatrical release on April 10. While the film has been performing strongly at the box office, crossing the ₹50 crore mark, it now faces mounting protests and legal threats from the Christian community over a scene set inside a church.
What Sparked the Outrage?
The controversy centers on a pivotal scene where Randeep Hooda’s character is shown standing beneath a crucifix, right above the sacred pulpit, as members of the congregation pray. The sequence reportedly depicts acts of intimidation, violence, and unruly behavior within the church, which community leaders say desecrates one of Christianity’s holiest spaces.
According to written complaints submitted to authorities, Hooda’s character is seen likening himself to Jesus Christ, claiming to have been sent by Him, and then engaging in violence, including firing a gun inside the church. Community representatives argue that this portrayal is not only disrespectful but appears to be a deliberate attempt to malign Christianity and hurt religious sentiments.
Community Response: Protests, Legal Action, and Ultimatum
Initially, Christian groups in Punjab planned to stage protests outside cinemas screening ‘Jaat’. However, police intervened and prevented demonstrations, leading the community to submit a formal memorandum to the Joint Commissioner of Police in Jalandhar. The memorandum demands an immediate ban on the film’s screening in Punjab and the registration of an FIR against the filmmakers, cast, and crew under laws protecting religious sentiments.
Community leaders have issued a 48-hour ultimatum, warning that if no action is taken, protests will intensify and could spread to other regions. They have also threatened to escalate their agitation by organizing larger demonstrations and calling for a nationwide boycott if their demands are not met.
Social Media and Wider Backlash
The controversy has spilled onto social media, with hashtags like #BoycottJaatMovie trending and calls for the film’s removal from theaters in several states. The backlash is not limited to the Christian community; some Tamil groups have also objected to the film’s portrayal of a fictional terrorist group, drawing parallels to the LTTE, and have called for a boycott in Tamil Nadu.
Filmmakers’ Stand and Box Office Impact
As of now, the makers of ‘Jaat’ have not issued an official statement addressing the controversy. Despite the uproar, the film continues to draw audiences, but its future in Punjab and potentially other regions remains uncertain as the deadline for action approaches.
The Broader Debate
The ‘Jaat’ controversy has reignited debates about religious sensitivity in Indian cinema, the responsibilities of filmmakers, and the balance between creative freedom and respect for faith. With legal and social pressures mounting, all eyes are on the authorities and the film’s producers for their next move.
“The pulpit is one of the most sacred spaces in our religious tradition. Portraying violence in such a setting is not just disrespectful, it appears to be a deliberate attempt to malign our faith.” — Christian community spokesperson
As the situation develops, the fate of ‘Jaat’ hangs in the balance, with its box office success now overshadowed by a growing storm of controversy and calls for accountability.
