A Bihar court has ordered that an FIR be filed against actor Salman Khan, after complaints that the title of his upcoming film Loveratri hurt Hindu religious sentiments. According to international working president of the VHP, Alok Kumar, “We will not allow its exhibition in cinema halls in the country. We don’t want the sentiments of Hindus to be hurt. The film is set against the backdrop of Navratri, a Hindu festival, and the name distorts its meaning.”
Bihar's Muzaffarpur Court gives orders to file FIR against Salman Khan and 7 other actors after a complaint was filed by an advocate against him and his production 'Loveratri' alleging that the title of the film hurts Hindu sentiments.
— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018
Salman Khan reiterated that Loveratri did not disrespect or demean any culture. The film marks the debut of Salman's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain and is set against the backdrop of Navratri. "Some people, I don't know who they are, have some problem with title of the film. It is a beautiful title. There is nothing more beautiful than love, so it is called Loveratri. It is not demeaning any culture. Our prime minister is from that culture. So, when you play a character, like I played a sardar in a film or I played a Haryanvi in Sultan, I do it with a lot of respect.
"We are making the film with Navaratri in the backdrop. We have made this beautiful film celebrating the music, colour, love and the fun of festive season. We don't need any publicity like that. Once the film is released those people will know there is nothing," Salman said in an interview.
The 52-year-old actor said he is sure the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will pass the film with a 'U' certificate. "The censor board is the right body to decide. I am sure it will get an 'U' certificate. And if the censor board has given the certificate than I don't think anybody has the right to say anything.
Loveratri is helmed by debutant director Abhiraj Minawala, who has served as assistant director on films such as Sultan and Fan. The film is set to be released on October 5.
-Inputs from PTI
