Why is Jain community protesting film ‘1080 Legacy of Mahaveer’?

The film titled ‘1080 The Legacy of Mahaveer’ is a story of Vardhaman Suri, and his story to find his ‘Dharma’. After a realisation that he has been following the wrong dharma, he embarks on a journey with three other religious leaders to find his way through the teachings of Lord Mahavir– 24th Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism. The film is set in 11th-century Gujarat. 

The film is lauded to be the first film about Jain history, and it is directed by Pradeep P. Jadhav-Vivek Iyer. The film has actors like Manish Bishla, Swayam Joshi, Anil Lalwani, Surendra Pal, and Shubham Vyas, in important roles, as per the trailer.

The conflict 

The convenor of Shri Mumbai Jain Sangh Sangathan (SMJSS) and Shri Ahmedabad Jain Sangh Sanghathan (SAJSS) Nitin Vora said to IANS, no human can portray Lord Mahavir or the Gacchadhipatis and Jainacharyas. This is against their religious ethos.

The two organisations mentioned comprise at least 1500 members. They registered strong objections to CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) CEO Ravinder Bhakar. The organisation mentioned that the film has the potential to hurt the religious sentiments of the Jain community in the nation.

Nitin Vora states that many Jain groups had written to the film-makers after the teaser, and trailer release. However, they didn’t receive any response. The film is slotted for a post-Dussehra release. Hence, the groups had to go to the CBFC.

As per the latest reports, the CBFC certificate is on hold due to the protest.

Chaar Sahibazade, and depiction of the guru

Another, Punjabi - Hindi animated historical film depicted their Guru in still images through the film, for similar reasons. The film is based on the sons of the 10th Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh, and their sacrifices in the fight for their religious beliefs. The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing Punjabi films. It was a great box office success as it became the highest-grossing animated movie from India. There was a sequel as well titled ‘Chaar Sahibzaade: Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur’

The film depicted their Guru in still images, instead of any moving animation. There is an explanation for the same at the beginning of the film.

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