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Dubbed one of the best works by ace filmmaker Christopher Nolan, 'Oppenheimer' has been winning hearts all over the globe by garnering positive feedback from fans and critics alike. The movie stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist who is known as the "father of the atomic bomb" for his work on the Manhattan Project, which produced the first nuclear weapons during World War II.

Oppenheimer Controversy

Despite doing wonders at the Indian Box Office, 'Oppenheimer' has sparked controversy due to a scene in which the titular character, played by Cillian Murphy, is shown having s*x while reciting verses from an ancient Sanskrit scripture, Bhagavad Gita. Some social media users have expressed their displeasure, claiming that the lines used in the scene are from the Bhagavad Gita. As a result, there have been demands from this section of users to remove the sequence from the movie.

ALSO READ: Oppenheimer: Anurag Thakur Warns Of Action Against CBFC Over S*x Scene With Bhagavad Gita In Christopher Nolan's Film

Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar Calls Oppenheimer ‘attack on Hinduism’

Uday Mahurkar, Information Commissioner, Government of India, wrote an open letter to Christopher Nolan, and appealed him to remove the scene worldwide. He wrote, “We urge, on behalf of billion Hindus and timeless tradition of lives being transformed by revered Geeta, to do all that is needed to uphold dignity of their revered book and remove this scene from your film across world. Should you choose to ignore this appeal it would be deemed as a deliberate assault on Indian civilisation. Eagerly await needful action (sic).”

What makes Oppenheimer Bhagavad Gita Scene Controversial?

In the film 'Oppenheimer', portrayed by Cillian Murphy, a controversial scene depicts him engaging in a se*ual encounter with psychologist Jean Tatler, played by Florence Pugh. During this scene, Tatler asks Oppenheimer to read a verse from an unidentified Sanskrit book, as its title or cover remains obscured. In response to Tatler's request, a perplexed Oppenheimer recites the line she points at: "Now, I am become Death, destroyer of the world." This scene has been the subject of discussion and debate among viewers.

The front page of the Bhagavad Gita was blurred in the intimate scene by the movie's Indian distributor, while nudity-related images were either zoomed in or blurred. 

Why Did CBFC Give Nod To Oppenheimer?: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur

Union Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur expressed displeasure with the CBFC’s nod to the Hollywood film, Oppenheimer.

According to Indian Express, the Minister has asked the officials to remove a scene from the screenings of 'Oppenheimer'. He urged that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) take full responsibility for allowing the offensive material. The Minister warned to take harsh measures against all CBFC members involved in allowing the screening and ordered the filmmakers to immediately remove the sequence from the movie.

Oppenheimer: 'Naked' Florence Pugh Covered In CGI-Made Black Dress In India

Several Indian moviegoers were shocked and amused by the scene featuring Florence Pugh originally naked, but was covered by a CGI-made black dress in Indian prints. 

In the scene, Pugh's character Jean Tatlock, a psychiatrist and physician, is introduced to Cillian Murphy's Robert Oppenheimer. It featured the two performers conversing while they were both naked, but Pugh's body is covered in a black dress in Indian print that was made available to the public in order to conceal the flesh.

Netizens Call For Boycott Of Oppenheimer

A netizen tweeted, “I’m calling for a boycott of the movie 'Oppenheimer'. I just learned there is a highly offensive scene involving the Bhagavad Gita in it. I will not repeat it here, but it involves something explicit. Never trust Hollywood and West to depict Hinduism positively and accurately (sic).”

"Hindus have been celebrating the mention of the Bhagwad Gita in the Oppenheimer movie, but they are left angry and perplexed at the blatant disrespect of the Gita by Hollywood. Mentioning holy verses while having s*x is considered disrespectful and racist. #BoycottOpenheimer (sic)" wrote another.

A netizen also wrote, “Everyone was Telling #Oppenheimer Is a cinematic Masterpiece Must Watch. But after knowing that There is a Scene of Bhagavad Gita recitation during S*x. Now I changed My mind I am Going to watch Kannada movie (sic).”

About Oppenheimer

The film stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman, and more in the lead roles. Directed by Christopher Nolan, who has proved his film-making prowess over the years, 'Oppenheimer' has been doing wonders at the Indian as well as global Box Office.

'Oppenheimer' brought about one of the most important moments in American history that altered the course of history. Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film is based on a true story. Now, the major question is when will 'Oppenheimer' have its OTT debut?