Blasphemous: ‘Oppenheimer’ faces backlash for intimate scene involving Bhagavad Gita

Cilian Murphy recites a quote from the sacred book during a sex scene

It seems like the atomic bomb isn’t the only moral quandary in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. The World War II drama found itself amidst controversy on the first day of its premiere when fans critiqued the film over its intimate scenes, particularly one involving the sacred Bhagavad Gita.

Oppenheimer, a movie on the life of J Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murph, included scenes depicting the physicists’ relationship with Jean Tatlock, portrayed by Florence Pugh. The film earned Nolan his first R-rating in 20 years, well before its release, due to the inclusion of sex scenes featuring nudity and sexuality. Nolan stated that the intimate scenes were crucial to accurately depict Oppenheimer's life, including his personal relationships.

A few weeks ago, when it was revealed that Murphy read Gita to prepare for his role, Hindus were overjoyed. However, the pride soon became a disappointment when they saw the film. A user took to Twitter to call out the “disrespectful” scene. "Having a sacred book used in a sex scene is highly inappropriate,” read a tweet.

I’m calling for a boycott of the movie Oppenheimer. I just learned there is a highly offensive scene involving the Bhagavad Gita in it. I will not repeat it here, but it involves something explicit. Never trust Hollywood and West to depict Hinduism positively and accurately.

— Indian-Americans (@HinduAmericans) July 20, 2023

"Never imagined Nolan would include Oppenheimer’s references to Sanskrit and Gita. I generally thought he would ignore that subject, still thinking what would have prompted him to keep those in an appropriate place. When I saw that on the screen for the first time, I was purely shocked."

Never imagined Nolan will include the Oppenheimer’s references on Sanskrit and Gita. I generally thought he will ignore that subject, still thinking what would have prompted him to keep those in an appropriate place. When i had seen that on the screen for the first time, i was…

— 🔆Rohit🔆 (@rohithverse) July 22, 2023

Agreeing with the sentiment, another user wrote, "The sex scene with Jean was nothing short of a mockery of our holy text."

The sx sean with Jean was nothing short of mockery of our holy text

— Indra (@IndraVahan) July 22, 2023

The controversy intensified when Oppenheimer was released in India, with the sex scene blurred, but not the Bhagavad Gita reference. Users alleged the scene classifies as "blasphemy."

 

A user wrote, "I'm calling for a boycott of the movie Oppenheimer. I just learned there is a highly offensive scene involving the Bhagavad Gita in it. I will not repeat it here, but it involves something explicit. Never trust Hollywood and the West to depict Hinduism positively and accurately.”
 

While some defended the decision, stating that the characters in the film didn't regard the book as "holy" but only as "Sanskrit," others questioned the historical accuracy and necessity of the scene. Few even argued on whether the translation of the Sanskrit text was accurate or not.

I hate Oppenheimer a teeny tiny little bit for his knowingly bastard translation of the B Gita (he was a Sanskritist).
An accurate translation would be "I am become Time, destroyer of worlds"
so much better, quite profound really

— Zia Haider Rahman (@ziahaiderrahman) July 20, 2023

The stupidest thing about Oppenheimer is that the original gita quote says ‘Kaalo asmi’ which means I am time, that destroys the world. The guy who wrote the german translation thought Kaal meant death. So its a common misconception 🤦‍♀️

— Spandana (@spandanaonbvd) July 21, 2023

There's literally nothing wrong with translating कालोऽस्मि as I am death. Because, in Indian philosophical traditions, the terms time and death are used interchangeably.

Oppenheimer’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita verse is perfect. It sounds more poetic and mysterious. https://t.co/iSUhGa39hz pic.twitter.com/KbJfet5FXh

— Onkara ♡ (@sacredrain) July 21, 2023

Despite the controversy, it is important to note that the Bhagavad Gita plays a significant role in Oppenheimer's life. The physicist had a keen interest in ancient Hindu texts, and the Gita held particular significance for him. A quote from the Gita even makes an appearance in the movie, with Oppenheimer reacting to witnessing the destructive power of the atomic bomb he helped create. “Now I am Death, destroyer of worlds,” he says.

This historical accuracy is based on Oppenheimer's own words, as he later revealed that this Gita quote came to his mind when he first saw the explosion of the atomic bomb.

While Oppenheimer aims to portray the physicist’s genuine connection to the Hindu scripture, the inclusion of the intimate scene featuring Tatlock urging Murphy's character to recite the Bhagavad Gita remains a subject of doubt. As the controversy unfolds, Oppenheimer highlights the need for filmmakers to approach intimate scenes and religious themes with greater sensitivity and respect. It also raises questions about Hollywood's portrayal of sacred aspects of any culture on the silver screen.

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