A scene featuring a kiss between Hrithik and Deepika, both dressed in Indian Air Force (IAF) uniforms, has sparked outrage and legal action.
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone feature in the action-packed movie Fighter. The movie has received positive reviews from critics. However, there has been criticism over a sequence when the main actors are dressed in Indian Air Force (IAF) uniforms. An IAF official named Wing Commander Saumya Deep Das has submitted a legal notice to the filmmakers. He accused them of misrepresenting the military and slandering it.
‘Unbecoming of an IAF officer’
The point of dispute is a passionate scene in which Padukone and Roshan, both dressed in IAF uniforms, kiss on a runway. According to India TV, Wing Commander Das believes that this image is “inappropriate” and “unbecoming of an IAF officer.”
Her remark draws attention to issues that go beyond simple kissing. She makes it clear that there are “high standards of discipline and decorum” expected of officers on duty and that “kissing in uniform on a runway” is against them. The notice further claims that the picture sets a dubious precedent for ethical norms and not only promotes but also “normalizes” unethical activity among officers.
The Notice
The notice is titled “Legal Notice for Defamation, Insult, and Negative Impact of the Indian Air Force and its Officers.”. It demands the removal of the scene and appropriate compensation for the alleged damage to the IAF’s reputation.
An excerpt from the notice read, “It embodies the highest ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation. By utilizing this sacred symbol for a scene promoting personal romantic entanglements, the film grossly misrepresents its inherent dignity and devalues the profound sacrifices made by countless officers in service of our nation.”
“Moreover, it normalises inappropriate behaviour in uniform, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the moral and ethical standards expected from those entrusted with safeguarding our borders”, it continued.