Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni of Mythri Movie Makers, already involved in the Pushpa 2 stampede case, now face a new legal challenge. High court advocate Mamidal Thirumal Rao has filed a case against Rishab Shetty, Prasanth Varma, and the producers, accusing them of depicting Lord Hanuman in an “offensive” manner in the teaser for Jai Hanuman. The case was registered at the Nampally Criminal Court.
Allegations Against the Teaser
Thirumal alleges that the teaser, released on October 30 last year, portrays Lord Hanuman with a human face, shifting the focus to Rishab Shetty, the actor, rather than the deity. He stated in a press meet:
“The poster shows Rishab as a mighty king with a muscular body, but his face is human. This offensively depicts Lord Hanuman with a human face. The focus is on Rishab Shetty because he’s an award-winning actor, not on Hanuman.”
Legal Basis of the Complaint
Thirumal explained his argument, noting that his case requires him to prove the traditional representation of Hanuman. He has gathered examples from how Hanuman is depicted across various countries to establish his claims.
Concerns Over Artistic Liberty
The advocate voiced concerns about the broader implications of such depictions, cautioning against excessive artistic liberties:
“If we let this continue, the younger generation won’t know that Hanuman isn’t human. This could set a precedent for filmmakers to take liberties with other deities like Ganesh and Varaha Swami, prioritizing profit over tradition.”
The Bigger Picture
This controversy raises questions about the balance between creative expression and religious sensitivities. While the teaser of Jai Hanuman sought to present a fresh take on the mythological figure, it has sparked debates about the responsibilities of filmmakers when handling religious icons.
As the case proceeds, it will be crucial to see how the courts navigate these complex cultural and artistic considerations.