Holocaust Trivialization in Bawaal: Israeli embassy calls for awareness & education in Varun-Janhvi starrer

Bawaal, the highly-anticipated movie starring Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, made its debut on OTT platforms on July 21, drawing both praise and controversy. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has been well-received by audiences in India. However, it has also faced criticism for its historical references to the Holocaust during World War II and the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The Israeli Embassy in India recently issued a statement addressing the film's portrayal of the Holocaust. In a tweet, the embassy expressed its concern over the trivialization of such a significant historical event in Bawaal. While acknowledging that no malice was intended, they emphasized the importance of educating people about the horrors of the Holocaust, urging individuals to better understand the universal lessons derived from this tragic chapter in history.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, also commented on the matter, stating that he did not watch the film but had read about the controversy surrounding it. He noted that there seemed to be a poor choice of terminology and symbolism related to the Holocaust, and he emphasized that trivializing such a sensitive topic should be a cause for concern for everyone. Gilon urged those unfamiliar with the Holocaust to educate themselves about it to grasp its profound significance.

Prior to the Israeli Embassy's response, the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), a Jewish human rights organization, had called for the film's removal from Prime Video, the platform on which it was released. The SWC's demand stemmed from the movie's references to the Holocaust, which they perceived as inappropriate and insensitive.

The controversy surrounding Bawaal has sparked discussions on the responsibilities of filmmakers when dealing with sensitive historical events. The Holocaust remains a deeply painful and significant event in history, and any portrayal of it should be approached with utmost care and respect.