Renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s latest release, “Oppenheimer,” has sparked a heated debate after featuring a controversial sex scene involving the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture. The movie portrays theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, also known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” played by Cillian Murphy, engaging in a sexual encounter with Florence Pugh’s character, Jean Tatlock, while referencing the sacred text.
The scene pauses with Tatlock picking up the Bhagavad Gita and requesting Oppenheimer to read from it. In a moment fraught with implications, Oppenheimer utters the famous quote, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” a phrase he uttered in real life following the detonation of the first atomic bomb.
The portrayal has drawn strong opposition, particularly from certain viewers in India, including members of right-wing groups. Uday Mahurkar, India’s information commissioner and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, condemned the scene, alleging it to be a direct assault on the religious beliefs of Hindus. Criticism has been leveled at both Nolan and the Indian Censor Board for allowing what some call “blasphemous” content.
Calls for boycotting the movie have emerged, with individuals expressing their dismay over what they perceive as an insulting depiction of their religion. Discontent has been voiced on social media, where users have described the film as “blasphemy porn on Hinduism” and questioned the Censor Board’s stance on the matter.
Despite the backlash, “Oppenheimer” has enjoyed strong box office performance, especially in India, where it even surpassed the popular movie “Barbie” on its opening weekend. The film’s financial success in India has been attributed to Nolan’s substantial fanbase in the country. However, the controversy surrounding the film’s portrayal of the Bhagavad Gita remains a point of contention.
Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” faces its own set of controversies, particularly regarding a scene related to China’s claims in the disputed South China Sea, resulting in the movie being banned in Vietnam.
The clash between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity underscores the need for filmmakers to tread carefully when addressing religious or politically sensitive themes. As “Oppenheimer” continues to be a subject of discussion, it serves as a reminder of the impact movies can have on diverse audiences, prompting important conversations about creative liberties and cultural respect.
