The Bollywood film Jaat, which stars Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Viineet Kumar Siingh, has found itself at the center of controversy following its theatrical release on April 10. The film’s portrayal of a church scene, featuring Randeep Hooda standing beneath a crucifix while members of the congregation pray, has sparked strong objections from the Christian community.
Objections from the Christian Community
The controversy stems from a particular scene in which acts of hooliganism and intimidation are depicted inside a church, allegedly near the sacred pulpit. Christian representatives have condemned the scene, claiming that it disrespects the church’s sanctity and misrepresents the Christian faith. According to community leaders, the scene is offensive and undermines the sanctity of one of Christianity’s most revered symbols—the pulpit.
Representatives argue that the depiction, which includes coercion and violence, is part of a larger, deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Christianity in India. “This amounts to desecration of the sacred space and is an insult to the Christian community,” said one leader.
Protests and Demands for a Ban
The Christian community had initially planned a protest outside cinema halls, but police intervention prevented the demonstration from taking place. Instead, they submitted a memorandum to the Joint Commissioner of Police, demanding a ban on the film’s screening in theatres. The community leaders are also calling for legal action to be taken against the film’s cast and crew under laws pertaining to religious disrespect.
A two-day ultimatum has been issued by the Christian leaders, during which they have demanded that appropriate action be taken. They have warned that if the authorities do not act within the specified time frame, they will intensify their protests.
Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Naveen Malineni, has been met with significant backlash due to this scene, which is also shown in the film’s trailer. The filmmakers have yet to respond publicly to the criticism.
