‘Bawaal’, the Bollywood blockbuster featuring stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, has struck a chord with the viewers thanks to its compelling narrative and top-notch acting. Despite its popularity, it has stirred up a significant uproar due to its references to the Holocaust and the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp from World War II. This portrayal has been met with disapproval from a notable Jewish advocacy group.
Jewish Advocacy Group Urges for Removal of ‘Bawaal’
The esteemed Jewish human rights entity, Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), has voiced discontent regarding the film’s deployment of the Holocaust as a storyline propeller. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who serves as the Associate Dean and oversees Global Social Action at SWC, reproached the film for its casual approach to the historical catastrophe, thereby belittling the severe suffering of millions under Hitler’s despotic rule.
Cooper urged the streaming platform hosting ‘Bawaal’ to cease monetising the film, expressing concerns over the film’s potential to demean the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust. He claimed the filmmaker’s intentions were to gain publicity by exploiting the Nazi death camp, leading to the movie’s success at the expense of trivialising the systematic murder of millions during the Nazi Holocaust.
‘Bawaal’ Stars Respond to Controversy
In response to the mounting criticism, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor addressed the concerns during an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla. Dhawan stated that he respected everyone’s opinions, highlighting the portrayal of his character in the film as ‘tone-deaf’. He questioned why sensitivity and triggering content were only criticised when depicted in non-English films.
Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor emphasised the importance of understanding the intention behind the film. She shared instances of people who were not offended but were instead touched by the movie. This highlights the diverse perspectives on the controversial content, further fuelling the debate on the representation of historical events in films.
In conclusion, while ‘Bawaal’ has managed to capture audience interest with its performances and narrative, its handling of sensitive historical references has prompted critical conversations about the film’s content and its impact on various communities. As the controversy unfolds, the future of the film on streaming platforms remains uncertain.
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