Marathi film ‘Manache Shlok’ withdrawn after protests; director plans re-release with new title
Sawant also criticised the government, claiming it failed to protect filmmakers and freedom of creative expression.
Actor-director Mrunmayee Deshpande expressed disappointment after screenings of her recently released Marathi film “Manache Shlok” were halted in Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and other parts of Maharashtra.
Videos circulating on social media showed people wearing saffron stoles stopping the film’s screenings, alleging that the title, taken from the famous collection of verses by saint-poet Samarth Ramdas Swami, disrespects Hindu culture. Protesters claimed that using the sacred name “Manache Shlok” for a commercial movie was inappropriate.
Deshpande, who also plays the lead role in the film, wrote on Instagram that it was “saddening” that screenings were stalled across western Maharashtra. She confirmed that the film has now been pulled from theatres statewide and will be re-released with a new title on October 16.
Reacting to the protests, state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the actions of the protesters demonstrated that they had never truly read or understood Samarth Ramdas Swami’s “Manache Shlok”.
“If they had read it, they would not have acted in this manner. ‘Manache Shlok’ guides the human mind towards righteousness, self-reflection, and rational thought. Its purpose is to enrich human life and keep it free from sin — not to justify aggression or hooliganism,” Sawant said.
He added, “Indulging in intimidation and violence in the name of Lord Ram is an insult to him, whose ideals are of character, brotherhood, compassion, love, restraint, justice, and virtue. Such behaviour has no place in Lord Ram’s philosophy — it reflects the path of Ravan, not Ram.”
Sawant also criticised the government, claiming it failed to protect filmmakers and freedom of creative expression.
“If external groups are forcing artists to change film titles and the government remains silent, it clearly indicates official support for unconstitutional actions,” he said.
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