Case filed against Saif Ali Khan over controversial 'Adipurush' comment

As per reports, the said plea will be heard in the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh on December 23.

The advocate, named Himanshu Srivastava, said in his petition that he believes in Sanatan Dharma, adding that Lord Ram is a symbol of goodness, whereas Raavan is seen as evil.

Talking about his role in Raut's Adipurush, Saif had said, "It is interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram."

His comment drew criticism from many, and he received heavy backlash on social media.

After Saif's controversial comment came to the fore, many demanded an apology and the removal of the actor from the project.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ram Kadam also objected to it. He said, "If Adipurush plans to show Ravan in positive light and justify the inhuman act of abduction of Sita Maa, we will never allow that to happen. Hope better sense prevails (sic)."

After receiving backlash from several sections, Saif retracted his statement and issued an apology.

He said, "This was never my intention or meant that way. I would like to sincerely apologize to everybody and withdraw my statement."

"Lord Ram has always been the symbol of righteousness and heroism for me. Adipurush is about celebrating the victory of good over evil," he added.

Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush is a mythological film, also starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles.

The movie draws inspiration from the Hindu epic Ramayana, with Prabhas in the lead role of Ram and Kriti as Sita.

The movie is slated to hit the screens on August 11, 2022.