Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda have found themselves at the center of a significant controversy following the release of their film, Jaat. An FIR was registered against them and others involved in the film on April 17, 2025, at the Sadar Police Station in Jalandhar, Punjab. The complaint, filed by members of the Christian community, alleges that the film contains scenes that disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices.
The FIR was lodged under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Alongside Deol and Hooda, actor Vineet Kumar, director Gopichand Malineni, and producer Naveen Yerneni were also named in the report. The police initially requested two days to review the complaint before proceeding with the registration of the FIR.
According to Sanjeev Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO), the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations. "We have registered the FIR against those named in the complaint, and action will be taken as per the investigation," Kumar stated to The Indian Express.
The controversy erupted after community leader Viklav Goldy submitted a complaint citing a specific scene in the film where Randeep Hooda's character is depicted standing in a church, which allegedly resembles Jesus Christ. The complaint raised concerns that this portrayal, along with a dialogue in the film, could incite hostility towards Christian places of worship. Goldy also questioned the timing of the film's release, coinciding with Good Friday, a significant day for Christians.
Goldy expressed the community's outrage, stating, "Our religion does not teach us to harm others," and condemned the depiction in the film. He emphasized that the content has sparked anger among Christians both in India and abroad, calling for a complete ban on the film. The scene reportedly shows Hooda's character standing inside a church during a prayer session, claiming to be sent by Jesus Christ before opening fire, which has been described as deeply offensive.
Christian groups have rallied together, demanding action and threatening large-scale protests if their grievances are not addressed. They argue that the film's release during such a sensitive time is not only disrespectful but also provocative. The community's concerns have been echoed by various leaders who have voiced their discontent over the film's content and its implications.
In addition to the allegations of disrespect, the community has pointed out that the film includes scenes of intimidation and unruly behavior inside the church, which they find particularly offensive. Many members of the Christian community have expressed that the film amounts to desecration of one of their most sacred spaces—the pulpit.
The film Jaat was released on April 10, 2025, and has reportedly performed well at the box office, earning around Rs 61.50 crore in its first week. However, the ongoing controversy could impact its future performance. The film is directed by Gopichand Malineni, who is known for his work in Telugu cinema, and features a cast that includes Saiyami Kher, Regina Cassandra, and Jagapathi Babu.
Despite the backlash, the film's producers have defended its content, asserting that it is a work of fiction intended for entertainment. However, the allegations have raised questions about the responsibilities filmmakers have when depicting sensitive religious themes.
As the investigation continues, the situation remains tense, with community leaders urging the authorities to take their complaints seriously. The police have indicated that they will follow due process in addressing the allegations, and further developments in the case are anticipated.
The controversy surrounding Jaat serves as a reminder of the delicate balance filmmakers must strike between creative expression and respect for diverse beliefs. With the film's success at the box office now overshadowed by these serious allegations, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will respond to the growing calls for accountability.
As the story unfolds, it highlights the larger conversation about freedom of expression in cinema and the potential repercussions when artistic choices intersect with deeply held beliefs. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, making it a pivotal moment for the Bollywood film industry.
