Rajkummar Rao’s Behen Hogi Teri Lands in Legal Trouble: Religious Sentiments Allegedly Hurt — Full Case Details Inside
Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao’s romantic comedy Behen Hogi Teri, which released in 2017, has found itself at the center of a legal storm years after its theatrical debut. A fresh controversy has erupted as the film is now accused of hurting religious sentiments, leading to the filing of a legal case against the makers.
The complaint, which has sparked debate over artistic expression versus religious sensitivity, has revived discussions around the limits of humor in cinema, especially in a country as culturally diverse as India. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, who filed the case, and what it could mean for the film’s creators.
What Is Behen Hogi Teri About?
Directed by Ajay K Pannalal, Behen Hogi Teri is a light-hearted romantic comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Shruti Haasan. The film revolves around a young man, Gattu, who is in love with his neighbor Binny, but struggles against the social norm that all girls in the neighborhood are considered as ‘sisters’. The title itself plays off a popular cultural phrase that promotes sibling-like relationships between boys and girls growing up in the same locality.
While the film mostly leans into humor and satire, it seems that one particular scene and its accompanying promotional poster have sparked outrage among certain religious groups.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The legal case centers around a promotional poster that shows Rajkummar Rao dressed up as Lord Shiva, a highly revered deity in Hinduism. In the poster, he is seen casually holding a trident (trishul) and wearing sunglasses while seated on a two-wheeler—a visual depiction that some groups claim is disrespectful and offensive.
According to the plaintiff, such a portrayal amounts to mockery of a religious figure, and undermines the sanctity and reverence associated with Lord Shiva.
Legal Complaint Details
- The case has reportedly been filed in a district court in Uttar Pradesh.
- The petition names the director Ajay K Pannalal, lead actor Rajkummar Rao, and other associated producers.
- The charges include:
- Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings)
- Section 298 (Uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings)
- Section 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion)
The petitioner has requested the court to initiate criminal proceedings against the accused and to ban further distribution or streaming of the film.
Makers Respond: “No Intent To Offend”
In response to the legal action, representatives of the production house have issued a statement:
“The depiction was intended to be humorous and not disrespectful. We deeply regret if any sentiments have been unintentionally hurt. The character was part of a fancy dress sequence and not meant to resemble Lord Shiva in any offensive manner.”
Actor Rajkummar Rao has not issued a personal statement as of now, but sources close to him indicate he was merely portraying a scripted scene and had no intention to cause religious offense.
Legal Precedent & Artistic Freedom
This isn’t the first time Bollywood has come under fire for religiously sensitive content. Films like PK, Padmaavat, and Tandav have faced similar backlash in the past, leading to arrests, edits, or temporary bans.
The case brings back the ongoing debate: where does creative expression end and offense begin? While India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, courts often weigh it against public order and religious harmony, especially in emotionally charged scenarios.
Streaming Platforms On Alert?
In today’s digital age, where older films find new life on OTT platforms, such legal disputes can influence streaming rights and platform policies. Industry insiders suggest that the film’s availability on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or ZEE5 could be reviewed in light of the complaint.
What Happens Next?
- The district court has accepted the petition and scheduled a hearing in the coming weeks.
- If the court finds prima facie evidence of deliberate religious offense, the makers could be summoned for an official defense.
- In the worst-case scenario, the film could face censorship, removal from streaming services, or even penalties for the involved parties.
Satire or Sensitivity Breach?
While Behen Hogi Teri may have been a harmless romantic comedy in the eyes of many, this case reflects the growing tension between creativity and cultural sentiments in India. As filmmakers walk the tightrope between humor and hurt, incidents like these serve as a reminder that even satire isn’t immune from scrutiny.
For now, all eyes remain on the courtroom to see how the judiciary navigates this complex intersection of law, religion, and art.
