Popular Marathi actress and writer director Mrunmayee Deshpande found herself in the middle of a major storm following the release of her directorial debut, Manache Shlok. The film, which hit theatres across Maharashtra on October 10, 2025, was expected to be an emotional drama exploring human relationships and inner transformation.
However, within hours of its release, multiple shows in Pune, Kothrud, and Abhiruchi Mall in Dhayari were disrupted by protesters claiming the film’s title insulted Hindu faith and the legacy of Saint Samarth Ramdas Swami, the 17th-century saint and spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Gunda raj in Pune.
— Parth MN (@parthpunter) October 11, 2025
BJP leader forces a theatre to stop screening of a Marathi film.
The film is called "Manache Shlok", which offended Hindutva groups.
Because Ramdas Swami has written a collection of spiritual verses with the same title. pic.twitter.com/8DV0Sbs0Lt
The controversy centers on the film’s title, Manache Shlok, which shares its name with a sacred collection of devotional verses composed by Saint Ramdas Swami. Activists argued that using such a revered title for a commercial film, especially one reportedly dealing with modern subjects like live-in relationships, was “disrespectful” and “hurtful to Hindu sentiments.”
Ujwala Sharma Goud, said to be associated with the BJP, led demonstrations outside theatres, prompting multiplexes to suspend screenings due to security concerns. Videos of the protests quickly went viral, showing groups chanting slogans and demanding the film be banned.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and the Samarth Seva Mandal of Sajjangad were among the groups that publicly condemned the film.
Sunil Ghanwat, coordinator of HJS for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, said "For centuries, Manache Shlok has guided millions on the path of devotion and discipline. Turning this sacred scripture into a tool for entertainment is unacceptable. It has deeply hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus."
HJS spokesperson Parag Gokhale added that the film’s title represented a “marketisation of faith” and urged the Maharashtra government to take strict action to prevent similar incidents.
Interestingly, the title dispute reached the Bombay High Court a day before the release. The petition sought a stay on the film’s screening, arguing that its name misused a religious title.
The court, however, refused to halt the release, observing that while Mana’che Shlok closely resembles Manache Shlok, there was no evidence that the film’s content defamed or distorted the saint’s teachings.
This verdict allowed the film to release, but protests on the ground intensified nonetheless.
Mrunmayee Deshpande and Filmmakers React
In the wake of mounting protests, Mrunmayee Deshpande issued a heartfelt statement clarifying the film’s intent:
"The title Manache Shlok symbolizes the emotional journey of our protagonists, Manva and Shlok. It has nothing to do with the saint’s writings. We have immense respect for Samarth Ramdas Swami and his legacy."
The filmmakers expressed gratitude to the High Court for upholding creative freedom but admitted that the controversy caused "immense mental distress" for the team.
Despite the court’s clearance, theatre owners in Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and western Maharashtra suspended screenings citing safety risks. Some shows were halted mid-way, leaving audiences frustrated.
In response to escalating tensions, Mrunmayee Deshpande voluntarily withdrew the film from theatres to prevent further unrest and respect public sentiment.
The makers have announced that Manache Shlok will be re-released on October 16, 2025, under a new title "Tu Bol Na". The revised release aims to restore peace and allow audiences to experience the film’s message without controversy overshadowing it.
Public and Industry Reactions
While some netizens and Marathi artists praised Mrunmayee for her maturity and sensitivity in handling the situation, others criticized the protesters for suppressing artistic expression.
One social media user commented:
"Today they banned Manache Shlok for showing a live-in relationship. Tomorrow they’ll ban Dnyaneshwari if someone dances in it!"
The incident has reignited the debate between creative freedom and religious sensitivity — a recurring theme in Indian cinema.
Manache Shlok features an ensemble cast including Rahul Pethe, Pushkaraj Chirputkar, Suvrat Joshi, Siddharth Menon, Harish Dudhade, and Karan Parab, alongside veteran actors Leena Bhagwat, Mangesh Kadam, Shubhangi Gokhale, and Uday Tikekar.
This marks a significant step in Mrunmayee Deshpande’s career as she takes on the triple role of writer, director, and lead actress.
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