Zero: Makers release statement clearing the air after political leaders approach police over 'objectionable' scene

The makers of ‘Zero’ have issued a clarification after multiple complaints against the movie for ‘hurting religious sentiments’ of Sikhs. Akali Dal MLA Manjinder Singh had earlier approached the police expressing objection to a visual depicting the use of the ‘Kirpan’, which is considered an ‘Article of Faith’ among Sikhs.    

READ: Trouble For SRK: Akali Dal MLA Majinder Singh Sirsa Files Complaint Against Shah Rukh Khan And 'Zero' For Hurting Sikh Sentiments

In the statement, the producers have cleared the air that it is not the ‘Kirpan’, but a dagger known as ‘Katar.’ "The image shows a dagger popularly known as 'Katar' in the Indian subcontinent and is nowhere close to a 'Kirpan' that carries the distinguished blessing of being Khalsa. The concern is duly noted and we wish to respectfully clarify that the film does not depict a 'Kirpan' but in fact has used what is commonly known as 'Katar'. 

The statement further continued, "The film is about celebrating incompleteness and to tell a heartfelt story. We trust you (MLA Manjit Singh Sirsa) will appreciate our stand that any concern this may cause is completely inadvertent.”

READ: Congress Takes On Shah Rukh Khan; Complains That SRK's 'Zero' Has Hurt Sikh Religious Sentiments

After Singh’s complaint in Delhi, even Congress leader and spokesperson Charanjit Singh Sapra had expressed his objection. Sapra had then filed a complaint with the Mumbai police. Both the leaders had demanded action against the producers and the director. They had asked for the ‘objectionable’ visual in the trailer to be removed or pulled down completely. 

'Zero' features Shah Rukh Khan in the role of a 38-year-old vertically challenged man Bauua Singh from Meerut. The story traces his love for scientist suffering from cerebral palsy, Anushka Sharma, and admiration for popular star Katrina Kaif. The movie has been directed by Aanand L Rai and produced by him and Shah Rukh's production houses, Colour Yellow Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment. The love triangle hits the screens just before Christmas on 21 December, 2018.