Yahoo Movies Oppenheimer sex scene causes controversy in India
Oppenheimer spoilers follow.
Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer has come under criticism from some viewers in India with a sex scene featured in the movie branded as "unnecessary".
Oppenheimer landed globally on the big screen on July 21 and has performed positively at the box office.
However, new complaints have emerged online from viewers in India who have criticised the use of a line from Hindu holy scripture Bhagavad Gita being used in a sex scene.
Related: Oppenheimer: The award-winning book it's based on
The scene in question involves J Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), with Jean pausing intercourse to grab a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
She then asks J Robert to read an extract from the scripture, "now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds", the infamous real-world quote by Oppenheimer (although not in the same context as the movie).
The film was classified with a U/A certificate by India's Central Board of Film Certification, which means the movie contains moderate adult themes and can be watched by a child below 12 years of age under parental guidance.
Related: Oppenheimer's Matt Damon explains preparation to play real-life person
In the UK, the film received a 15 rating due to "infrequent nudity and sexual content".
Viewers from India took to social media to share their disappointment in the scene, with journalist, political analyst and author Uday Mahurkar taking issue with the use of the religious text.
He posted a letter to Christopher Nolan on Twitter, writing: "We do not know the motivation and logic behind this unnecessary scene on life of a scientist. But this is a direct assault on religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus, rather it amounts to waging a war on the Hindu community and almost appears to be part of a larger conspiracy by anti-Hindu forces."
. @OppenheimerATOM
To,
Mr Christopher Nolan
Director , Oppenheimer film
Date : July 22, 2023
Reg: Film Oppenheimer’s disturbing attack on Hinduism
Dear Mr Christopher Nolan,
Namaste from Save Culture Save India Foundation.
It has come to our notice that the movie…— Uday Mahurkar (@UdayMahurkar) July 22, 2023
Related: Oppenheimer is more Jewish than you realise
He also called for the scene to be "removed" from the film globally.
His tweet received comments in support and disagreement, with many movie lovers continuing to watch the film in India.
Nolan had previously said that the intimate scenes "were written deliberately" and were needed in the film.
Oppenheimer is currently in cinemas.
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