NEW DELHI: The inclusion of Auschwitz concentration camp and Nazi Germany in Nitesh Tiwari’s film “BAWAAL,” starring Jhanvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, has sparked a diplomatic row, leading the Israeli embassy to issue a statement expressing their concerns over the trivialization of the Holocaust in the movie. They pointed out the use of inappropriate terminology and urged everyone to educate themselves about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
“The Israeli embassy is disturbed by the trivialization of the significance of the Holocaust in the recent movie ‘Bawaal’. There was a poor choice in the utilization of some terminology in the movie, and though we assume no malice was intended, we urge everyone who may not be fully aware of the horrors of the Holocaust to educate themselves about it. Our embassy is constantly working to propagate educational materials on this crucial subject, and we are open to engaging in conversations with all individuals to foster a better understanding of the universal lessons derived from the Holocaust,” read the official statement shared on the Embassy’s official Social media handles.
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The particular scene in question shows Varun Dhawan’s character, Ajay Dixit, and his wife, Nisha (played by Jhanvi Kapoor), visiting Auschwitz and Anne Frank’s home during their tour to Europe. A Holocaust survivor in the film refers to “every relationship going through its Auschwitz,” alluding to the infamous concentration camp. Another controversial dialogue by Janhvi Kapoor’s character compares everyone to Hitler, as she points out greed for more possessions.
The Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed his concern on Twitter, stating that the trivialization of the Holocaust should disturb everyone. He urged those unaware of the Holocaust’s horrors to educate themselves. The embassy further emphasized its commitment to spreading educational materials on this important subject.
In response to the criticism, a Jewish organization called for the movie’s removal from OTT platform, arguing that it trivializes the suffering endured during the Holocaust.