Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has found himself at the centre of controversy after a scene from his upcoming film Kannappa surfaced online, showing him hugging a Shivling. The scene has sparked outrage among certain Hindu groups and social media users, who claim it is disrespectful to religious sentiments.
The controversy gained traction after a video clip from the film was shared online, leading to backlash from devotees who felt the depiction was inappropriate. In response, Akshay Kumar defended the scene, stating that it was intended to portray deep devotion rather than offend religious beliefs. “If you see the film, you will understand the emotional connection behind the act. There is nothing offensive in it,” Akshay said, addressing the criticism.
In a press conference, he further explained that Kannappa is a film deeply rooted in faith and devotion and that the act of embracing the Shivling is meant to showcase the intense love of the character towards Lord Shiva. “People should watch the movie first before making judgements. The scene is about devotion and nothing else,” he added.
Despite his clarification, the debate continues, with some groups demanding the removal of the scene. Others argue that artistic freedom should allow filmmakers to explore religious themes with creativity and reverence.
Meanwhile, the makers of Kannappa have not yet issued an official statement on the controversy. As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the film will undergo any changes before its release.