It is not uncommon for a section of the Bollywood audience to boycott films for various reasons. There have been several demands in the past to boycott movies like Padmaavat and Pathaan. However, despite the negative publicity and attempts to create a boycott for SRK’s Pathaan, the film turned out to be a box office monster, surpassing all expectations and cementing SRK’s position as one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars.
A section of Bollywood insiders have now set their sights on Pushpa 2 and have raised objections to the film’s newly released poster. They are finding faults with the poster and have been vocal about their concerns.
“Holding a gun while dressing as some Hindu god with a tilak on his forehead? @alluarjun what are you trying to prove? does Hinduism promote violence only? Do we consider immoral people like Pushpa our god? Stop insulting our culture, a Bollywood page that spreads the boycott narrative stated on Twitter.
Despite Pushpa 2 still being in its early stages of production, a section of Bollywood insiders have already called for a boycott of the film after taking issue with the pre-look poster. However, such a premature reaction highlights the joblessness of those behind the boycott movement in Bollywood.
Regarding the objection to the Hindu god holding a gun, it is important to note that Hindu mythology portrays gods as standing against evil and using violence to restore normalcy when necessary. The Pushpa poster has captured this essence in a fresh and striking way, while still honoring the religious aspects.
Furthermore, it is hypocritical for Bollywood insiders to criticize South filmmakers over religious aspects when these filmmakers place a such high value on religious traditions and pay close attention to them. The intent behind the Pushpa poster is not to distort religious traditions but to glorify them in a new and innovative way. It is amusing to see Hindi insiders commenting on Pushpa 2 without fully understanding the cultural context.
The Pushpa poster has been inspired by the Chittoor Gangamma Jathara, a customary tradition in the region. Despite this, the Bollywood insiders continue to call for a boycott of the film.