June 19:  The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will prohibit the screening of Hindi films, including Adipurush, in cinema halls within its jurisdiction starting from Monday.

 KMC Mayor Balendra Shah has issued instructions to mobilize security personnel in order to enforce the ban on all present Hindi films being shown in the halls. The KMC comprises 32 wards, housing a total of 17 cinema halls.

Mayor Shah expressed his disappointment on a social networking site, stating that three days ago, they had appealed to the relevant parties and authorities to remove a dialogue from the original version of the Hindi film Adipurush that carried an objectionable message, claiming that Janaki, the daughter of King Janak, is the daughter of India.

The mayor emphasized the paramount duty of the government, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Nepali citizens to preserve Nepal's independence, sovereignty, and dignity, thereby ensuring the welfare of the nation.

Sah referred to Article 5 and Article 56, Clause (6), which clearly define the responsibilities of the federal, provincial, and local governments in protecting national interests.

Mayor Sah argued that if Adipurush continued to be shown, it would cause irreparable damage to Nepal's national identity, cultural unity, and would be an assault on the country's national figures. It should be noted that Sita, the daughter of King Janak, is recognized as one of Nepal's national figures.

The mayor highlighted the KMC's concern regarding the cultural invasion depicted in the film, emphasizing the potential risk of creating false perceptions about Princess Janaki's nationality among the people if the film was allowed to be screened without hindrance.

In response, the ban on "all" Hindi films within the KMC will be implemented starting tomorrow morning.

Following the mayor's instructions, metropolitan city police have been deployed to ensure the effective enforcement of the ban on Hindi films in KMC cinema halls.