Hindi-language films resumed in the country on Friday, days after the goddess Sita was banned following a controversy over a dialogue in Adiprush, dubbed the “Daughter of India.” In Kathmandu, many cinemas have started showing Hindi-language films, with the exception of ‘Adi Ploosh’, which continues to face a ban.
QFX Cinema, a city complex in Sundara, screened the Hindi-language film Zara Hatke, Zara Bakke, starring Sara Ali Khan and Vicki Kaushal.
The Nepalese Film Institute said in a statement that all Nepali and foreign films except Adipurush will be screened from Friday.
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has announced a ban on all Hindi-language films after Sita was mentioned as an “Indian daughter” in Adipurush’s conversation.
Sita, also known as Janaki, is believed by many to have been born in Janakpur, southeastern Nepal.
On Thursday, Pathan High Court Judge Deal Bahadur Chand’s sole court issued a short-term order stating that the screening of films licensed by the censorship board should not be stopped.
“It is our belief that no one transcends nations and nationalities. It is our fundamental right to engage in business in free compliance with Nepali law,” the court said.
On the same day, Prime Minister Shah said he was ready to face any punishment but would not allow the screening of “Adipurush” as the issue concerns “Nepal’s sovereignty and independence”.
