| Pune – The screenings of the newly released Marathi film “Manache Shlok” were halted across several theatres across Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other places in Maharashtra on Saturday after Hindutva organisations protested, alleging that the film’s title insults Saint Samarth Ramdas. Some videos showed people wearing saffron stoles halting the screening of the film, named after the famous collection of verses by saint-poet Samarth Ramdas Swami, alleging the title insults him. Directed by Mrunmayee Deshpande, Manache Shlok was released statewide on October 10. However, protests erupted in Kothrud and Dhayari, where agitators gathered inside and outside theatres demanding that the shows be stopped immediately. Following the demonstrations, theatre managements across the city cancelled all screenings as a precautionary measure. Deshpande, the director and the film’s lead actor, in a post on her Instagram handle said it was saddening that her movie’s screening was stalled in Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and western Maharashtra. She said the film has now been pulled out of the theatres across the state and it will be re-released with a new title on October 16. Protesters objected to the film’s title, which is identical to Manache Shlok, the revered devotional verses composed by Saint Samarth Ramdas. They claimed it was disrespectful to associate the saint’s work with a commercial film. According to the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, using the sacred name Manache Shlok for a commercial Marathi film amounts to a direct insult to Hindu culture, saints, and spiritual heritage. Sunil Ghanwat, convener of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, said, “For centuries, Manache Shlok has guided millions on the path of dharma, self-discipline, and devotion. Turning this revered scripture into a tool for profit and entertainment is unacceptable and deeply hurts the sentiments of crores of Hindus.” The organisation has strongly condemned what it calls “disrespect” and demanded that the film’s title be changed immediately. Earlier, a Hindu outfit had approached the Bombay High Court seeking a ban on the movie, but the court refused to entertain the plea. Despite the order, protests continued, leading to disruptions in Pune. Police were deployed at multiple theatres to prevent any untoward incidents. The film’s producers have not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy. |
Marathi movie screening halted over title row
