Controversy surrounds Adipurush as it faces backlash over the depiction of Sita’s birthplace. Screenings in Kathmandu were halted due to objections about Sita being portrayed as Indian in the film. Adipurush draws inspiration from the Hindu epic Ramayana, particularly Valmiki Ramayana, leading to a heated debate.
The controversy arises from a dialogue stating that Sita is “the daughter of India.” According to the Ramayana, Sita was born in Janakpur, believed to be in present-day Nepal, where she later married Rama.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah condemned the portrayal and issued an ultimatum to the film’s creators, demanding a correction in both India and Nepal.
Failure to rectify the alleged mistake within three days would result in the suspension of all Indian film screenings in Kathmandu. In response, cinema halls in Kathmandu immediately stopped showing Adipurush on its release day. The Nepal Film Union urged cinemas in Kathmandu to refrain from screening the film, and those outside the capital were advised to assess the situation to ensure there was no potential for violence before proceeding.
Mayor Balen Shah took to Twitter, stating that unless the line “Janki is a daughter of India” in Adipurush was corrected, no Hindi films would be allowed in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. QFX Cinemas in Nepal released a statement, prioritizing viewer safety and announcing their decision not to screen Adipurush until the issue was resolved.
They awaited guidance from the government and apologized for any inconvenience caused. The Nepal Censor Board reportedly withheld permission for Adipurush due to the ongoing controversy. Discussions and negotiations are ongoing to find a resolution and determine the fate of Adipurush’s release in Nepal, addressing concerns about the portrayal of Sita’s birthplace.