New Delhi: Nitesh Tiwari’s film “Bawaal,” which stars Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan faces some international controversy seems that the Jewish human rights organization, Simon Wiesenthal Center, has raised objections to the way the film portrays certain aspects of history. Specifically, they are concerned about the conflation of tragedy within the narrative.
In the film, the lead characters visit World War 2 sites, including the gas chambers in Auschwitz. There are dream-like sequences where they are shown inside a gas chamber, struggling to breathe. Additionally, there are dialogues that have raised eyebrows. For instance, Janhvi’s character, Nisha, says, “We’re all a little like Hitler, aren’t we?” when discussing human greed. Another scene implies that every relationship goes through struggles by referencing Auschwitz.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, being a Jewish human rights organization, is dedicated to defending the safety of Jews worldwide and combating anti-Semitism and hate. They also work towards preserving the memory of Holocaust victims. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the SWC, has called on Amazon to stop monetizing the film, stating that it trivializes the suffering and systematic murder of millions during the Nazi Holocaust.
It’s Important to address such concerns and respect the sensitivity surrounding historical events, especially those as significant and tragic as the Holocaust. While artistic expression is valuable, it’s crucial to handle sensitive subjects with care and ensure that they are not misrepresented or trivialized.
Nitesh Tiwari recently defended his film and expressed disappointment with the way some people have interpreted it. He clarified that he never intended to be insensitive in any way. Tiwari also pointed out that the characters in the film, Ajju and Nisha, were deeply moved by what they saw in Auschwitz and were not being insensitive about it. He shared these thoughts with an entertainment portal.
