GOA, 24 November, 2024: The Karni Sena, known for its controversial protests, allegedly created a disturbance at the trailer launch of director Atul Garg’s upcoming film, Chola. The incident took place at a high-profile event on Impas’s sea yacht during the IFFI 2024 on here.
Surjeet Singh Rathore and Rajesh Jain, members of the Karni Sena, objected to some scenes in the trailer, which they argued were an insult to a faith and threatened to prevent the screening of both the trailer and the film.
Director Atul Garg attempted to explain that the full context of the film would be revealed in due course. Actor Hemant Pandey also voiced his disapproval of the protest, emphasising the importance of expressing dissent in a constructive manner.
Chola is a story about a young professor who seeks solace in a spiritual ashram. Despite adopting the attire and practices of a sadhu, he finds no inner peace.
The film explores the idea that true spiritual enlightenment can be achieved without renouncing worldly life or conforming to religious orthodoxy. The climax involves the professor burning his saffron robes and returning to his academic pursuits, symbolising his rejection of superficial spirituality.
The Eternal Films produced ‘Chola’, stars Vibhav Roy, Tamar Bartaia, Ram Gopal Bajaj, Subrat Dutta, Archana Singh Rajput, Ali Mughal, Dipti Dhatre, Shehzad Khan, Diwakar Pindir and Radhika Kashyap.
Synopsis of ‘Chola’ (source- Film Bazaar Booklet, IFFM-2024):
Prof. Avinash leaves his academic life to become a sanyasi, taking the name Acharya Virendra, in search of spiritual enlightenment. As he grows closer to his Guru, his progress stirs jealousy in Acharya Dhruv, a senior ashram member. Dhruv plots to derail Virendra’s journey by introducing Maya, a bar dancer, into his life. Unexpectedly, Maya falls in love with Virendra and becomes pregnant. Fearing disgrace, Virendra abandons her, leading to his expulsion from the ashram. Consumed by guilt and inner turmoil, he contemplates ending his life, but his Guru’s guidance saves him. Realizing his true purpose, Virendra accepts Maya and their child. Meanwhile, Rita, a former student deeply in love with Avinash, sacrifices her feelings for his newfound happiness with Maya. As Virendra embraces his destiny, the fates of those around him remain uncertain, awaiting their final resolution.
*Reporting from IFFI-2024, Goa.
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