The recently released action-packed entertainer Jaat, starring Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar Singh, has stirred major controversy following a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Jalandhar Police. The Jalandhar police registered the FIR on Wednesday under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
The complaint claims that a specific scene in Jaat, which debuted on April 10, has caused deep offense to the religious sentiments of the Christian community.
What Triggered the Complaint?
According to the complaint, a scene featuring Randeep Hooda’s character depicts him standing beneath a crucifix inside a church, positioned directly above the sacred pulpit, while churchgoers are seen praying. The character allegedly engages in intimidating and disruptive behaviour, a portrayal that has enraged a section of the Christian community.
The complainant has accused the filmmakers of “deliberately showcasing the scene in a disrespectful light,” and went further to claim that its timing, released during the holy period of Good Friday and Easter, was intentional and provocative.
Production Houses Under Fire
The film, which has been produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, is now under heavy scrutiny. While the production teams have yet to make a public statement, insiders suggest that legal teams are currently reviewing the complaint and may issue a clarification soon.
Given that the controversy has erupted during the film’s initial box office run, there are concerns that the backlash may impact its theatrical performance, particularly in regions with large Christian populations.
Producers and Actors of Jaat Remain Silent So Far
As of now, neither the producers nor the actors like Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda involved in “Jaat” have issued official statements regarding the FIR and the allegations. Known for their no-nonsense roles and patriotic themes, both actors have a significant fan following and have largely stayed away from controversies in the past.
However, given the legal implications, industry insiders expect an official response soon, likely coordinated with the film’s legal and PR teams.
Interestingly, the controversy does not seem to have dented the film’s box office performance, at least not yet. Jaat opened to strong numbers and has already grossed ₹58 crore in its first week, driven by its mass appeal, action sequences, and Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback.
What Lies Ahead for Jaat?
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes are on how the makers of Jaat respond to the FIR. Will the scene be voluntarily removed or modified to avoid further backlash? Or will the filmmakers choose to stand their ground, citing creative freedom?
The situation remains tense, with community leaders, law enforcement, and Bollywood stakeholders watching closely.
One thing is clear—the intersection of art and religious sentiment continues to be a tightrope walk in India’s vibrant cinematic landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on the Jaat controversy.
