‘Protestors BURNT My Effigies’: Prakash Jha Recalls How The Screening Of Gangaajal Was Stopped Due The Antagonist’s Name In The Film
Prakash Jha opened up about Gangaajal controversy that happened around two decades ago and revealed how the Ajay Devgn and Gracy SIngh starrer’s screening was stopped
Filmmaker Prakash Jha has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his thought-provoking movies which often leave the audiences with goosebumps. Having been in the industry for decades now, his movies are often embroiled in controversies. From going through cuts to inviting ire from the netizens and certain social groups, one of his movies that received protests was his 2003 directorial Gangaajal starring Ajay Devgn and Gracy Singh. He recently opened up about the same.
Recalling the entire ordeal, the National Award-winning director, stated that Gangaajal had evoked political ire in Patna, during the time of its release, as the antagonist’s name Sadhu Yadav, a corrupt politician in Bihar, coincided with the then MLA of the state. The role of the politician was essayed by Mohan Joshi. During an interview with the news agency ANI, he stated that naming the character was quite accidental.
He went on to reveal how he didn’t know where the name came to his mind, however, it did not sit well with the supporters of the politician. They had not only burnt his effigies but also stopped the screening of his movie. Quoted by the Free Press Journal, he added, “ I don't know from where it came to my mind. They (protestors) burnt my effigies, the screening of the film was stopped, the film didn't run in Patna, and the audience had to go to Hajipur to watch the film. They did a lot of things. It happens with every other film of mine.”
For those who don’t remember, the politician whose name coincided with the antagonist’s name in the film was the then-Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s brother and a MLA in Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The supporters had accused the 71-year-old filmmaker of defaming their leader by using his name for a negative character. The entire row was put to rest after RJD’s founder Lalu Prasad Yadav met with Jha and clarified that there was nothing objectionable in the film.
Released in 2003, Gangaajal also starred Mukesh Tiwari, Daya Shankar Pandey, Yashpal Sharma, and others in pivotal roles. The film was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film on other social issues. It was very well-received by the critics and the audiences and is still considered one of the best movies of Indian cinema.
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