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Hindi film screenings resumed in Nepal on Friday, just days after they were halted due to a controversy over Adipurush passages in which Goddess Sita is referred to as India’s daughter.
Many Kathmandu cinemas began screening Hindi films, with the exception of Adipurush, which remains prohibited.
The Hindi film Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, starring Sara Ali Khan and Vikki Kaushal, was screened in Sundhara’s multiplex QFX Cinema.
According to a statement issued by the Nepal Motion Picture Association, all Nepali and foreign films would be screened beginning Friday, with the exception of Adipurush.
A dialogue in Adipurush in which Sita is referred to as “India’s daughter” prompted Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah to declare a ban on all Hindi films. Many believe Sita, also known as Janaki, was born at Janakpur, which is located in southeast Nepal.
On Thursday, a single bench of the Patan High Court issued a short-term ruling stating that the exhibition of films with censor board authorization should not be stopped.
“It has been our belief that no one is above the nation and nationality. It is our fundamental right to engage in our business freely abiding by Nepalese Law,” the bench observed.
On the same day, Shah stated that he was ready to face any punishment but would not allow Adipurush to be screened because the issue concerns “Nepal’s sovereignty and independence.”
Source:IE
