Protests have intensified in 7 states regarding Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone’s upcoming film Pathaan’s song Besharam Rang. Demonstrations are being held in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, five people including Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have been booked for hurting religious sentiments and spreading obscenity.
Shiv Sainiks in Chhattisgarh have demanded removal of Besharam Rang song from the film. They say that if this is not done, the film will not be allowed to be released in Chhattisgarh. The Hindu Mahasabha is opposing the film in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, saying that they would go to court against it.
Why the controversy?
Deepika Padukone dons a saffron bikini in Pathaan’s song ‘Besharam Rang’. Those protesting say that saffron color is a symbol of Hinduism and Deepika is wearing this colour and dancing on a song with obscene lyrics like Besharam, which is quite objectionable. Use of holy colour like saffron for bikini is unacceptable.
Controversy is happening in these parts of the country regarding the film:
1. Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh said – this is an insult to Sanatan culture
In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, members associated with the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha have announced their anger against the film. The organisation’s national treasurer Dinesh Sharma says that a conspiracy has been hatched in the film to show Sanatan Dharma as weak by wearing saffron clothes. Hindu Mahasabha says that they will demand the court to ban this film.
2. Case against Shah Rukh-Deepika in Bihar
A case has been registered in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur court regarding Pathaan. Muzaffarpur’s advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha on Friday filed a case in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate against 5 people including filmmaker Aditya Chopra, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone for hurting religious sentiments and spreading obscenity.
Prosecution’s lawyer says that this film has been deliberately made to hurt Hindu sentiments. There will be a hearing on January 3 in this case.
3. Demand to remove Besharam Rang song from the film in Chhattisgarh
State General Secretary of Chhattisgarh Shiv Sena Sunil Kukreja has written a letter to the film’s makers, cinema hall operators and multiplex management. Sunil said in a conversation that the film be allowed to be released only after the song Besharam Rang is removed.
4. Uproar over saffron color bikini in Madhya Pradesh for pat three days
Protests were also being seen in Madhya Pradesh regarding the film. Recently, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra had said that if the song lyrics and costumes are not changed, then he will not allow the film to be released in Madhya Pradesh.
5. Warning to theater owners in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan’s Alwar, Hindu organisations continued to protest against the film Pathaan for the second day. They were carrying posters in their hands on which it was written – Boycott Movie Pathaa and that the insult of saffron colour will not be tolerated. The activists of the organisation have issued a warning that if the Pathaan movie is released, then be prepared for dire consequences.
6. Threats to theater owners in Gujarat as well
There has been a demand to ban Pathan in Gujarat as well. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have said that theater owners will be responsible for any untoward incident if the film is released in the state. They say that the film’s song has been named ‘Besharam Rang’ by associating saffron with obscenity. This song shows the perverted anti-Hindu mindset of Bollywood. We will not allow the film to be released in Gujarat with these scenes, they said.
7. BJP MLA protested in Maharashtra
Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam has said that if any film hurts Hindu sentiments, it will not be tolerated at any cost. He says that at present there is a Hinduist government in Maharashtra and no such film which is hurting the sentiments of Hindus will be allowed to be released in Maharashtra.
Although Ramkadam says that he is not talking about banning the film, but the filmmakers should come forward and consider what objection the Hindu Sant Samaj has to the film.
Shah Rukh’s reaction came amid controversy
Shah Rukh Khan has broken the silence amidst the Pathaan controversy. He made his first public statement on the controversy over the film. Shah Rukh said at the Kolkata International Film Festival on Thursday that the world may do whatever it wants but all the positive people you and I are all are alive. Shah Rukh’s reference was towards those trolling the film on social media.
Bollywood actress Kiara Advani has reportedly stepped away from Ranveer Singh-starrer Don 3 following her pregnancy announcement with husband Sidharth Malhotra. The actress was earlier confirmed as the female lead in Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated film.
No official confirmation from the makers yet
As per a report, Kiara Advani has chosen to prioritize her personal life over Don 3. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the actress or the makers of the film regarding her exit. Last year, Excel Entertainment welcomed Kiara to the Don universe through a social media announcement, but no details about her role were disclosed.
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s pregnancy announcement
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra shared the joyful news of their pregnancy last week with a heartwarming post on social media. The couple posted an image featuring a pair of tiny socks, captioning it, “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.” Fans and industry colleagues showered the couple with congratulatory messages.
Kiara’s upcoming projects
While stepping away from Don 3, Kiara Advani is currently wrapping up War 2, where she will be seen alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. She is also working on Toxic, starring Kannada superstar Yash.
Beyond these confirmed projects, speculation is rife regarding Kiara’s involvement in Shakti Shalini and Dhoom 4, both set for a 2026 release. Whether she will continue with these projects or take a break remains to be seen, with an official announcement awaited.
Netflix is set to release its first Tamil original feature film of 2025, TEST, on April 4. Starring R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine, the film explores life-altering decisions made against the backdrop of a gripping cricket match.
Directed by S. Sashikanth, TEST marks his directorial debut after years of producing films. The story revolves around three protagonists, each facing intense moral dilemmas that challenge their resilience and ambitions beyond the cricket field.
Sharing his thoughts on the film, Sashikanth said, “Having nurtured stories as a producer for years, stepping into the director’s chair for TEST was both exhilarating and deeply personal. This film is about resilience, the weight of choices, and how life itself is the greatest test of all. Bringing together R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth, three powerhouse performers for the first time, made this journey even more special.”
Test Trailer
Netflix India’s Vice-President of Content, Monika Shergill, highlighted the film’s significance, calling it a “deeply compelling drama thriller that tests the moral thresholds of its three protagonists.”
With high stakes that transcend the game itself, TEST delves into the profound impact of one decision that can change everything.
Entertainers Cricket League 2025 Season 2: Full schedule, squads, venues & streaming details
The Entertainers Cricket League 2025 Season 2 is set to begin from March 5, featuring 8 teams and top influencers in a T10 format. Check the full schedule, squads, and streaming details here.
The much-anticipated Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) 2025 Season 2 is set to bring an electrifying mix of cricket and entertainment, featuring popular YouTubers and influencers. With an expanded lineup of eight teams and a T10 format, the tournament promises high-energy clashes. Defending champions Haryanvi Hunters, led by Elvish Yadav, will compete against seven rival teams for the coveted title.
Teams Participating in ECL 2025 Season 2
The second season of Entertainers Cricket League will feature eight teams, increasing from the six teams in the previous edition:
Haryanvi Hunters (Elvish Yadav)
Bangalore Bashers (Abhishek Malhan)
Dynamic Delhi (Gaurav Taneja)
Rajasthan Rangers (Zayn Saifi)
Lucknow Lions (Anurag Dwivedi)
Kolkata Superstars (Pushkar Raj Thakur)
Mumbai Disruptors (Munawar Faruqui)
Chennai Smashers (Mahesh Nain)
Where and When Will ECL 2025 Season 2 Be Played?
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Cricket Stadium in Delhi will host ECL 2025 Season 2 from March 5 to March 16, 2025.
Where to Watch Entertainers Cricket League 2025 Season 2?
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