Nepal’s capital administration bans screening of Bollywood movies

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – The metropolitan capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal on Monday banned Bollywood movies for what has been described as a controversial portrayal of a Hindu goddess in the latest Indian film "Adipurush."

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah announced that all Indian movies will be prohibited from screening in cinemas in Nepal's capital.

The decision was made due to objections regarding the language and portrayal of the Hindu goddess Sita in the mythological epic film Adipurush.

“We have already issued notice three days ago to remove the objectionable portion of the dialogue that ‘Sita is India’s daughter’ from the movie within three days,” he said on Twitter.

His tweet sparked a flurry of reactions on Nepali social media, with some users supporting the decision and others condemning it.

Earlier, the mayor in a tweet on Thursday had given the Adipurush producers a three-day deadline to change the specific statement that was made in the film.

Referring to the Constitution of Nepal, Shah emphasized that the federal, provincial, and local governments must protect the interests of the country.

He argued that allowing the film's release without any changes might irreparably harm Nepal's nationality, cultural cohesion, and sense of identity.

His post also highlighted how the metropolitan city was concerned about the film as it was perceived to be a "cultural encroach upon Nepal."