For immediate release
Hindus concerned regarding upcoming Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar”
Expressing concern at the forthcoming blockbuster Hollywood movie “Avatar”, Hindus have urged its famed director James
Cameron to be careful when handling Hindu concepts and terminology.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that “avatar” was one of the central
themes of Hinduism and insensitive handling of faith traditions sometimes results in pillaging serious spiritual
doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees.
With seasoned and skillful Cameron at the helm, we did not expect any problem, Zed, who is president of Universal
Society of Hinduism, said and added that they were just asking for more sensitivity towards faith traditions. If Cameron
needed any expertise on Hinduism related issues, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly provide the resources, Zed
added.
Rajan Zed explains that “Avatar”, a Sanskrit term, means descent or incarnation. Hinduism is shaped by its traditional
belief in the incarnation of Vishnu (the Preserver in Hindu trinity) into ten forms to establish dharma (divine law),
which include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki (believed to come at
the end of present Kaliyuga). Hindus believe that without such intervention, the entire created universe would have gone
into decline. Many devotees also regard their respective Gurus as incarnations of the Divine.
In chapter four of ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), Lord Krishna explains the reasons for God’s
descent: “Whenever dharma declines and the purpose of life is forgotten, I manifest myself on earth”. Hinduism is the
oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it
should not be taken lightly, Rajan Zed points out.
Budgeted at about $300 million, futuristic “Avatar”, an upcoming digital 3-D science fiction feature film, is directed
and written by Canada born three Oscars winning 55-years old James Francis Cameron of highest-grossing and 11 Oscars
carrying “Titanic” fame. It is due to be released in some countries on December 16 next, followed by others. Its
official storyline is: “On the distant moon Pandora, a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery
as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.”
Cast includes Australia born AFI Award winner Sam Worthington (Somersault), MTV nominated Zoe Saldana (Guess Who), Oscar
nominated Sigourney Weaver (Aliens), MTV nominated Michelle Rodriguez (Girlfight), Dileep Rao (Drag Me to Hell), etc.
Shot in New Zealand (Wellington) and USA (Hawaii, California); produced by Cameron and Jon Landau under Lightstorm
Entertainment; and released by 20th Century Fox; it is Cameron's first work as director since Titanic (1997). Music in
the film is provided by James Horner and editing by John Refoua and Stephen Rivkin. It is claimed to offer a
groundbreaking mix of live-action dramatic performances and computer-generated effects. Cameron described it as
“adventure with an environmental conscience”.
ends