In light of the controversy surrounding a scene deemed offensive to Christians, the makers of the Hindi film “Jaat” have chosen to remove the divisive segment. On April 18, an FIR was filed against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and three other individuals involved with the film, following complaints that elements of “Jaat” disrespected the Christian faith.

The filmmakers released an official statement confirming the scene’s removal, stating, “There has been a backlash regarding a specific scene in the movie. We have decided to eliminate it with immediate effect.” This action was prompted by concerns raised by Viklav Gold, a Christian community leader, who alleged that the film, which launched on April 10, included material that disrespected Jesus Christ and various Christian practices.

The filmmakers expressed that their intention was never to hurt any religious sentiments. They apologised for any distress caused by the scene and highlighted their commitment to respecting all beliefs. “We deeply regret this situation and have taken the necessary steps to address it promptly,” they added.

“Jaat,” directed by Gopichand Malineni, unfolds in an Andhra Village plagued by systemic injustice and brutality. The narrative follows an outsider who refers to himself as Jaat, as he uncovers the dire circumstances of the villagers and resolves to confront the oppressive forces at play.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyami Kher in pivotal roles. Reviewers have noted the extreme violence depicted in the film; for instance, a review from The Hindu remarked on its graphic portrayal of brutality, suggesting that “the violence is explicit, where severed heads are captured like money shots.” The review also pointed out the film’s use of shocking elements to engage the audience, prompting a warning about its content.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, “Jaat” has performed remarkably well at the box office, generating close to ₹60 crore during its first week in India. Following this success, the filmmakers have announced plans for a sequel, showcasing the film’s popularity despite the recent controversies.

Kerala Police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko on Saturday for suspected drug consumption, authorities confirmed. According to officials, a medical examination and further legal proceedings are underway.

Chacko faces charges under Sections 27 (consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to reports.

The arrest follows an incident where Kochi city police issued a notice to Chacko on Friday, summoning him for questioning. The notice was linked to an alleged escape from a hotel during an anti-drug raid. As Chacko was not at his Thrissur residence, the notice was handed to his family.

A senior police officer clarified, “The notice was issued because the incident falls under the Ernakulam North Police Station’s jurisdiction.” Chacko was directed to appear before the Ernakulam North Police Sub-Inspector on Saturday to explain his actions during the raid.

Hotel raid and alleged escape

On Wednesday night, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) conducted a raid at a hotel near Kaloor around 10:45 pm, targeting a suspect in a drug-related case. Although the suspect was not found, police discovered Chacko’s name in the hotel’s guest register. When officers approached his third-floor room, he allegedly fled the scene.

CCTV footage and a viral video reportedly show Chacko escaping the hotel upon noticing the police. While no drugs were found during the raid, preliminary evidence points to Chacko as the individual who fled. No case has been filed directly related to the hotel incident due to the absence of recovered substances.

Recent Controversy

Chacko recently faced scrutiny after actor Vincy Aloshious accused him of “inappropriate behaviour” on the set of the unreleased film Soothravakyam. Aloshious had initially shared her concerns on Instagram, alleging misconduct by a co-actor under the influence of drugs. She later named Chacko in a formal complaint to the Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

However, Aloshious expressed frustration over the media leak of Chacko’s name and indicated her willingness to withdraw the complaint.

Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated film, Kesari 2, has burst onto the big screen with an impressive start, attracting Rs 3 crore in advance bookings. Premiering today, April 18th, the film has already grossed over Rs 1.5 crore on its opening day in India, signalling its strong reception.

Set against the backdrop of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this courtroom drama places Akshay Kumar at the heart of a gripping narrative that intertwines history with powerful storytelling. The film has quickly captured the hearts of audiences, political leaders, and the Bollywood fraternity, all of whom have praised its performances, storyline, and screenplay.

Fans of Kesari and Akshay Kumar have taken to social media to share their excitement and appreciation. Videos showcasing standing ovations from viewers at special screenings have gone viral, highlighting the film’s emotional resonance. Akshay Kumar, along with co-star Ananya Panday, participated in various promotional events, contributing to the film’s growing buzz.

One enthusiastic viewer shared their thoughts online, exclaiming, “The second half is absolutely electrifying! The monologue by Ananya and Akshay is heart-wrenching and compels us to confront the brutal realities of the British Raj, especially the extent to which they went to justify the atrocities of events like Jallianwala Bagh.” They even posed an intriguing question: “Will the Crown ever apologise to India?” This reflection illustrates how the film resonates with audiences, encouraging them to engage with the historical narrative.

Moreover, the film honours the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. One viewer remarked on X, “Before the teaser for Kesari 2, I had no idea who C. Sankaran Nair was. This film has truly opened my eyes!”

Leading up to the release, Union Minister Hardeep Singh showered praise on the film’s impactful dialogue after a screening, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta echoing similar sentiments.

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty also expressed his admiration on social media, stating, “When courage commands the screen, history speaks boldly.”

Adding to the wave of praise, renowned South Indian star Rana Daggubati shared his thoughts post-screening, calling it “a powerful and essential film that resonates with every Indian.”

Overall, Kesari 2 is more than just entertaining cinema; it serves as a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in Indian history, urging audiences to reflect on the past while celebrating the bravery of those who fought valiantly for freedom. The film’s narrative not only aims to educate but also to inspire a sense of pride and awareness about the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.