A right-wing Hindu outfit, the Hindu Jan Jagran Samiti (HJS), has claimed that it has forced the makers of Hindi film ‘Singham Returns’ to delete some “objectionable” scenes from it.
The HJS had objected to some scenes and dialogues in the film alleging that they showed Hindus in poor light and demanded the film be banned from screening. The Ajay Devgn-Kareena Kapoor starrer is scheduled for release on August 15.
The outfit had registered its objections with the producers, directors and Censor Board after watching the trailer of the film and launched a campaign against it.
Though there was no official comment from the filmmakers, the HJS uploaded on its website a letter signed by film co-producer Kumar Mangat Pathak undertaking that "all the shots which were mutually discussed to be deleted will be deleted and will not be there in the film."
"We respect your sentiments and assure you that nothing will be done to disrespect it," the letter dated August 4 said. The HJS members on Monday met the film's director Rohit Shetty and actor Mr. Devgn to discuss the issue.
The film contains scenes and dialogues that can inflame communal sentiments, said HJS spokesperson Ramesh Shinde. “Freedom of speech does not mean that you ridicule a particular religion. The depictions have hurt the religious feelings of Hindus,” said he.
One of the “objectionable” scenes is where Devgn is shown allegedly snubbing a Hindu saint for his discourse.
While the matters seems to have been resolved, the outfit has threatened to launch an "intensified agitation" if the film is released with the objectionable scenes.
