Weeks before its release, Mike Myers' latest film, "The Love Guru" is raising flags and stirring up controversy. Scheduled to hit theaters June 20th, the story revolves around an American, Guru Pitka, who is raised by gurus in India. In this comedy, he returns to the U.S. to find fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. Guru Pitka does not identify himself with any one faith or creed, yet the Hindu community feels that this new Meyers movie has the potential to ridicule many elements of their religion.
Rajan Zed, who was the first Hindu priest to open a session of the U.S. Senate when he recited a prayer on the Senate floor in 2007, and president of the Nevada based Universal Society for Hinduism (USH), told The Associated Press, "'The Love Guru' appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and uses sacred terms frivolously. People are not very well-versed in Hinduism, so this might be their only exposure. They will have an image in their minds of stereotypes. They will think most of us are like that." Zed insisted that Paramount Pictures pre-screen the film for prominent members of the Hindu community before its theatrical release.
The Universal Society of Hinduism aims at providing worldwide Hindu identity, enhancing understanding of Hinduism, and fostering interreligious dialogue. Besides the USH, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha, another Hindu group, has also reportedly expressed displeasure over the portrayal of Hindu characters as buffoons in the film.
Noting that the film features spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra and Hindu actor Manu Narayan, Paramount in its release said that, "'Love Guru,' which is not yet complete, is a satire created in the same spirit as 'Austin Powers.' It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders once it is ready."
As per MSNBC reports, Myers who is himself a follower and long time friend of Deepak Chopra, said, "He (Chopra) is the basis of why I went down this path of a character like that, and it's because I am interested in higher states of consciousness and I am interested in comedy. The guru, he breaks down your barriers, gets you silly and gets you light so you're in a place to receive love."
With this controversy, "The Love Guru," has gotten more publicity than it anticipated. If all goes well with the pre-screening of the film for Hindu leaders, come June 20th, one can expect to see many curious Hindu's lining up to see for themselves what this controversial film is all about.
--written by Visi Tilak
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I think it is good that people can make light hearted fun of things.
But then again, it can also go too far.
We don't see images of Oriental folks in the movies with buck teeth, running around acting like idiots. But that was standard comedic fare in the 60's...as were very demeaning jokes about women and minorities.
So, it is good to keep an eye on all forms of expression to make sure that they don't cross lines.
The Simpson's portrayal of the Indian guy at the 7-11 was, I think, somewhat demeaning. It is a quick and cheap stereotype.
Making fun of Gurus is a touchy subject. There are reactionaries in this country who think only their version of religion is true. And movies like this do help to serve their agenda. We have nihilists and atheists and movies like this also help to serve their agenda.
Which is the more common image of India in the American eye...Gandhi? or some ludicrous stereotype? I would have to say that the more common image is some ludicrous stereotype. So, I would say, that until there really and truly exists a culture of respect for India in this country, that movies like this do tend to keep a bias against India and what it truly is and truly stands for.
Doesn't mean I think censorship is in order...but I do think that some sensitivity and reflection couldn't hurt. Mike Meyers is a very wacky guy. I mean, this is the guy who had a 400 lb Scottish guy trying to eat a baby. So, he is pretty well established as a guy we don't take seriously. But, I do think there are undercurrents in these images of an arrogant superiority in which only America is right.
well said A. Nonymous
Just recently the 85 year so called Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj disgraced himself and Hinduism by raping a young girl in Trinidad. Earlier in his life he raped three young minor girls in Nagpur. This is the reality of many so called gurus! It is good for Hinduism that these vermin are exposed!
Censorship in any form is still censorship. This includes having to "vet" your creative work by any self-interest group that claims to hold the high moral ground regarding the subject matter of your creativity. Hate crimes aside, there seems to be an expectation on the part of many groups that their views are the ones which should hold reign over others' views. This is pretty self-evident in the comment that Hindu people should get a pre-screening of the movie before it hits box offices. To all offended parties: why not just leave this alone and not blow it out of proportion, since oftentimes that backfires on the people who caused the blow up and dissemination of motives results.
ewww
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