The sci-fi thriller ‘Kalki 2898 AD‘, directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring Prabhas, has found itself in a legal quagmire after allegations of hurting Hindu religious sentiments. Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam has sent a legal notice to the film’s producers and actors, claiming that the film misrepresents Hindu scriptures.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam asserts that the film has disrespected Hindu beliefs by altering the depiction of Lord Kalki, the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as described in ancient texts. The controversy arises amidst the film’s remarkable box office success, having crossed the Rs 600 crore mark domestically and entering the Rs 1000 crore club globally within its fourth week since its release on June 27, 2024.

What Are the Allegations Against ‘Kalki 2898 AD’?

The primary concern raised by Acharya Pramod Krishnam is that the movie’s portrayal of Lord Kalki deviates significantly from the descriptions found in Hindu scriptures. According to the legal notice, this portrayal could cause “confusion” and “misinterpretation,” leading to a potential erosion of Hindu faith among devotees.

Acharya Pramod emphasized the importance of religious accuracy and the impact of such films on the sentiments of Hindus. He stated, “India is a land of emotions, faith, and devotion. The values of Santana Dharma should not be tampered with, and the scriptures of Sanatana should not be altered. Lord Kalki Narayan is at the center of our faith. He is considered the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu.”

The legal notice reads: “Your movie has changed the basic concept about Lord Kalki, from what has been written and explained in Hindu puranic scriptures. The portrayal and depiction of the story of Lord Kalki is wholly inaccurate and blatantly disrespectful to these sacred texts, which are central to the religious beliefs and practices of a vast number of devotees, numbering in the hundreds of crores.”

How Are the Makers and Actors of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Responding?

So far, there has been no official response from the filmmakers or the actors involved in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. The cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, alongside Prabhas. The film’s producers are yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations or the legal notice.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam also mentioned that the filmmakers should respect the sentiments of the Hindu community and ensure that their creative expressions do not hurt religious beliefs. He added, “Freedom of expression does not mean that you can play with our faith. Filmmakers should be cautious and sensitive to the religious sentiments of the people.”

The legal notice also highlighted the potential long-term impact of such portrayals: “Such a depiction has already led to confusion and has the propensity to irretrievably tarnish the mythology and ethos of Lord Kalki in the hearts and minds of devout Hindus. This will lead to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and subsequent erosion of the Hindu faith, causing extreme distress to the faith and religious sentiments of our client, and needless to say, of the wider Hindu community at large.”

What Is the Significance of Lord Kalki in Hindu Beliefs?

Lord Kalki is considered the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is expected to appear in the future to end the current age of darkness and corruption. This belief is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and has significant spiritual importance for millions of Hindus worldwide.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam noted that the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19, emphasizing the importance of respecting religious texts and traditions.

In the broader context, the controversy surrounding ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ brings to light the ongoing debate about creative freedom and religious sensitivity in Indian cinema. Filmmakers often walk a tightrope between artistic expression and respect for religious sentiments, and cases like this highlight the challenges they face.

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has been a commercial success, but its journey has been marred by legal challenges and public outcry. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will address the concerns raised by Acharya Pramod Krishnam and whether any changes will be made to the film.

For more updates on ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, tune in to Vviptimes.