Artists involved in the making of art house film Drupadi, which is based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata, probably experienced a sense of d*j* vu on Tuesday when only a week after announcing the film to the press, the World Hindu Youth Organization condemned it as blasphemous.
They are not the first to receive the group's censure. In 2005, the organization protested Garin Nugroho's Opera Jawa (A Requiem from Java) for incorrectly portraying Rama and Sita from another Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Though the tone of their criticism of Drupadi was less spiteful, the group demanded that the film's production house, Sinemart Pictures, adjust their interpretation with "the true story of the Mahabharata as told in the Itihasa Weda, the holy scripture that is sanctified by about a billion of the world's Hindus".
Despite their seemingly meticulous objections, the film has yet to be released, or even finished. According to producer Mira Lesmana, it is scheduled to premier at the Jakarta International Film Festival at the end of this year.
In their statement, the group listed eight statements in the film's press release that they considered erroneous, with special reference to a certain remark from actress Dian Sastrowardoyo, who initiated, played and co-produced the film. Dian is a Muslim.
The group leader, Shri I Gusti Ngurah Arya Vedakarna, objected to Dian's statement that the film told the epic from the point of view of Drupadi, the wife of the Pandawa brothers, who refused to be made a pawn of her husbands and was trying to "humanize herself".
"She's our goddess. She's the daughter of God Agni and was born of fire. The idea that she is trying to 'humanize herself' is offensive to Hindu followers," Vedakarna said.
He said the word "destiny" used by the filmmakers in describing Drupadi's story was misleading as that Judeo-Christian doctrine was alien to Hindu teachings of karma. He also denounced the commentary of one actor, saying the film did not promote polyandry -- often contrasted to the Islamic teaching of polygamy.
Sinemart remains unswayed by the criticism, saying that so far there would be no changes. The film combines acting and choreography, and features popular artists such as Dian and Nicholas Saputra and dancers from the Bagong Kussudiarja art community.
"We have talked about this and we so far have no plans to make any changes," spokesperson for the film, Arifaldi Dasril, said.
According to a press release, Drupadi is an unconventional interpretation of the Mahabharata epic as it centers on the character of Drupadi, instead of on the conflict between the Pandawa and Kurawa brothers.
The script was written by Leila Chudori, who researched Javanese and Sumatran versions of the epic.
The film attempts to mirror the conditions of modern society, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, in which many women are still subjugated by dominant, patriarchal cultures.
It is in this context that Dian said Drupadi was a symbol of women's struggles against gender inequality, because about 5,000 years ago Drupadi had fought for justice and her humanity.
Ida Bhawati Putu Setia, a senior editor at Tempo magazine and member of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Association, as well as spiritual guru Anand Khrisna, expressed their support for the film, saying the Mahabharata had been adapted to many art performances, be it modern or traditional.
According to Hindu teachings, Putu said, the Mahabharata is not a holy book. The Hindu holy scriptures are the Veda, God's revelation to the seven rishi, the Vedic poets.
"The Mahabharata is part of Hindu literature known as Ithiasa, which contains stories that can be taken as lessons for people's lives," Putu said on his blog, in response to the World Hindu Youth Organization's protest.
Meanwhile, Anand said the epic was based on historical events that happened a few thousand years ago in Northern India.
"Drupadi was real and she was a human being. The word dewi ascribed to Drupadi is a title for any revered woman. The proper English translation would be *lady'," he said.
Putu agreed with Anand and added that Drupadi was not a worshiped goddess.
The film, which portrays the ancient story from a contemporary perspective, was a challenge, Mira Lesmana said, as the producers decided to use traditional Javanese culture for its background.
Despite its religious tone, the people behind the film, shot on location in Yogyakarta, also aimed at promoting Indonesian culture to the world.
With all the criticism, support and expectations, the film was obviously a challenging project for Sinemart and especially for Dian, who plays Drupadi. She also took on the role of producer for the first time.
