Nepali film ‘Panch Pandav’ faces boycott calls over perceived religious insults
Summary
Nepali film ‘Panch Pandav’ has drawn boycott calls over allegations that it insults Hindu beliefs by portraying Draupadi in a degrading way. Director Basanta Niraula says the criticism is based on assumptions before the film’s release, while the censor board and other filmmakers warn against pre-release boycott campaigns.
Key Points
- Boycott calls against ‘Panch Pandav’ spread on social media after its trailer, poster and song were seen by some users as insulting Draupadi and Sanatan Hindu beliefs.
- Director Basanta Niraula says the backlash is based on assumptions and argues the film should be judged only after its release.
- Religious campaigners Vedika KC and Pushkar Khatiwada urged Hindus to avoid the film, while censor board member Manoj Pandit criticised boycott campaigns before theatrical release.
- The article links the controversy to earlier disputes over Nepali films such as ‘Lalibazar’ and ‘Ek Bhagawat Ek Gita’.
