‘Manache Shlok’ Film Controversy: Hindu Groups Protest, Theatres in Pune Stop Shows

Pune, 10th October 2025: The Marathi film Manache Shlok, directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Mrunmayee Deshpande, was released on Friday but has already run into opposition in parts of Pune. Shows at Abhiruchi Mall in Dhayari and a cinema in Kothrud were reportedly stopped after protests linked to objections over the film’s title and its alleged handling of a religious text.

Preliminary reports say activist Ujjwala Goud, described by local sources as being associated with a Hindu organisation, led protests that prompted the theatre managements to cancel screenings. Organisers of the protests have objected to the use of the title Manache Shlok — the name of a revered collection of spiritual verses composed by Samarth Ramdas Swami — arguing that employing the title for a commercial film amounts to disrespecting a sacred text.

The film’s choice of title had already generated controversy ahead of release. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has strongly condemned the movie, calling the use of the title a “marketisation” of faith and demanding the title be withdrawn.

Parag Gokhale, a spokesperson for the Samiti, said, “Manache Shlok written by Samarth Ramdas Swami Maharaj is a sacred religious literature. Using this name for a film is not only an insult to faith, but also hurts religious sentiments. The title Manache Shlok should be withdrawn from the film immediately and central and state governments should enact a law to ban the thoughtless use of such religious symbols in future.”

Hardline activist Milind Ekbote, leader of the Samastha Hindu Aghadi, had earlier issued a blunt warning against the film’s release, saying, “What kind of liberty did the film directors get? Should they do anything in the name of liberty? How were they allowed to use the word ‘Manache Shlok’? If this film is released, we will destroy it, we are not afraid of going to jail.”
The theatre bans in Pune come amid those heightened objections.

Management at the Abhiruchi Mall theatre and the Kothrud cinema cited security concerns and public order when they stopped screenings after protests outside their premises.

The film’s director and producers have not issued a public statement on the theatre cancellations in Pune as of this report. Mrunmayee Deshpande is credited as the director of Manache Shlok; supporters of the film say creative freedom and artistic expression must be respected, while critics maintain religious sentiments should not be commercialised.