Ek Bhagavad Gita’s unit, FDB, religious leaders hold meeting

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept 6 : The Film Development Board held a discussion regarding the concerns raised by religious groups about the title of the Nepali movie ‘Ek Bhagavad Gita’ on Monday.

Board Chairman Bhuwan KC, film producer Sunil Kumar Thapa, director Jharna Thapa, actress Suhana Thapa, as well as representatives from various religious organisations, including Hindu Jagran Nepal and Vishwa Hindu Yuva Sangh, were present at the meeting.

The religious organisations requested a change in the film’s concerns that the movie portrayed the revered Bhagavad Gita as a mere story rather than a scripture of profound teachings. The film production unit clarified that their intention was not to misinterpret the Bhagavad Gita but to spread its central message of Karma Yoga to a wider audience.

 A consensus on the film's title was reached after the religious leaders reviewed both the script and the movie.

Bhuwan KC highlighted that the filmmakers come from a spiritual family and likely would not have misinterpreted the sacred text. “Although I haven't watched the film,” KC remarked, “given the spiritual inclination of the producer's family, I believe they have been true to the essence of the Bhagavad Gita. Yet, the decision about a title change might be more appropriate after viewing the film, said KC.

Board spokesperson KL Budhathoki said that the discussion was very important, meaningful, positive and complicated.

He said that there was a unanimous agreement to bring the controversy about the film to a positive conclusion.  Considering the awkward situation that has arisen over the name of the movie, the board has taken the initiative in a very prudent manner, he added.

By organising an all-party discussion, the board encouraged both sides towards a positive outcome through friendly discussions. All sides were excited and united by this effort and conclusion, said Budhathoki.