If some Hindutva supporters have their way, Aamir Khan’s latest release PK might end up losing some potential viewers. Saffron ideologues like Francois Gautier have urged audiences to boycott the film because it depicts an inter-religious relationship.
This plot line resonates with the fears that Hindutva groups have been expressing about so-called love jihad: they claim that Muslim men are waging a campaign to court Hindu women, expressly so that they can convert them to Islam. PK portrays a romance between a Pakistani boy and a Hindu girl.
Some social media users also claim that the film, which is a critique of irrationality and superstition, makes fun of Hindu gods.
Here are some objections they have articulated.
It didn't take long for fans of free expression to strike back.
This plot line resonates with the fears that Hindutva groups have been expressing about so-called love jihad: they claim that Muslim men are waging a campaign to court Hindu women, expressly so that they can convert them to Islam. PK portrays a romance between a Pakistani boy and a Hindu girl.
Some social media users also claim that the film, which is a critique of irrationality and superstition, makes fun of Hindu gods.
Here are some objections they have articulated.
#BoycottPK where Indian girl falls in love with a nice Pakistani boy, mocking all those ‘silly Hindu fanatics’ who harp about #LOVE JIHAD,
— Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) December 20, 2014
#boycottPK, where the heroin shows her finger online at the 'bad' Hindu Guru, while her 'good' pakistani boyfriend comes t sit next t her
— Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) December 21, 2014
It didn't take long for fans of free expression to strike back.
Bhakts are trending #BoycottPK . Then it must be a sensible film. Now planning to watch it. Had no plans earlier.
— Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) December 21, 2014
Why boycott PK ya...why not smoking, boozing, drugs, hypocrisy, Dhongi babas, Faku Pandits ?? #WeSupportPK
— Leena Goenka (@LeenaGoenka) December 21, 2014
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