Pratik Gandhi's 'Bhavai' Makers Issue Clarification: 'The film Won't Hurt Religious Sentiments'

Netizens are demanding actor Pratik Gandhi’s arrest and ban on Twitter after the trailer of his Bollywood debut film, Bhavai, dropped online. Pratik Gandhi's upcoming film Bhavai was earlier named Raavan Leela. However, due to the social media backlash for hurting religious sentiments, the makers of the film changed its name to Bhavai.

Now, the makers have released a statement clarifying that the film doesn't hurt any religious sentiments and is a fictional love story of two individuals working in a drama company. Sharing the statement, the makers wrote, "We trust this clarifies all the misrepresentations, doubts and misgivings regarding our film #Bhavai!."

The statement read, "Our film BHAVAI is a fictional love story of two individuals, Raja Ram Joshi (Pratik Gandhi) and Rani (Aindrita Ray), working in a drama company and how their life changes off stage. The film promo was released under the title, Raavan Leela, as the protagonist is a drama actor who plays the role of Raavan in the drama."

"With due respect to the concerns regarding the title of the promo and a dialogue in the promo, we wish to clarify that the dialogue and the above title Raavan Leela is not part of the film and has been removed from the promo as well, respecting the sentiments of our viewers."

"We have the highest regard for Hindu culture and the Ramayana. The film and/or any portion thereof does not hurt any religious sentiments or religious beliefs. The film Bhavai has been approved and passed by the Censor Board of Film Certification under the 'U' category.We trust that this clarifies and sets at rest all apprehensions, misrepresentations, doubts and misgivings regarding our film Bhavai in various media, including digital media."

The film is presented by Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios) and produced by Dhaval Jayantilal Gada, Aksshay Jayantilal Gada, Parth Gajjar, and Hardik Gajjar films in association with Backbencher Pictures.

“Bhavai" also stars Aindrita Ray, Rajendra Gupta, Rajesh Sharma, and Abhimanyu Singh in pivotal roles. It is set to release theatrically on October 1.