Hindus do not seem to be pleased with Singapore Board of Film Censors classifying Hollywood movie The Love Guru with “NC16” rating. They are demanding this be raised to R21; in Singapore, “NC16” rated films are suitable for ages 16 and above, while “R21” films are suitable for ages 21 and above.
The protest was initiated by the acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed (who is also the PRO of the Hindu temple of Northern Nevada) in March. This protest is carried out by various Hindu organisations all over the world. Bhavna Shinde, who represents Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha, has appealed to Singapore Censor Board to assign The Love Guru its highest “R21” (Restricted 21) rating instead of currently held “NC 16”. She said that the film The Love Guru blatantly ridicules and denigrates Hinduism and Hindu concepts.
While writing to Singapore Media Development authority, she wrote: “Cinema is a powerful medium and it can create stereotypes in the minds of some audiences, especially in the minds of younger audiences, who are passing through an impressionable phase. We do not want the next generation of Singapore growing up with a distorted view of Hinduism and Hindus.”
Many Hindus ask why The Love Guru has been passed with an NC16, whereas The Passion of the Christ, a film which does not tarnish the image of a religion was given an “M18” rating (higher than Love Guru's current rating). The issue is taking an ugly turn now with these allegations.
The Love Guru is reportedly scheduled to be released in Singapore on September 4, 2008.
Meanwhile, Rajan Zed has requested every Hindu to boycott this movie which ridicules Hinduism and Hindu concepts, uses Hindu terms frivolously, and gives wrong ideas about Hinduism to viewers. Zed is urging people of other faiths also to boycott the movie. He says, “Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religions/ denominations.”
Prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of The Love Guru because it “…lampoons Hinduism, mocks ashram life and Hindu philosophy which is very valuable…”
Zed stresses that the broader aim of boycott against this movie is to protect the interests of various minorities and ethnicities.
