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Black Panther: Did the CBFC bleep out a reference to Lord Hanuman in Marvel’s record-breaking superhero film?

According to a report, the Central Board of Film Certification edited out a mention of Lord Hanuman in Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Black Panther.

Updated on: Feb 20, 2018, 15:00:25 IST
Hindustan Times | By , New Delhi
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A reference to Lord Hanuman, planted specifically by Marvel to please Indian fans, was removed by the Central Board of Film Certification from their latest film, Black Panther, according to a report.

Winston Duke as Lord M’Baku (C) in Marvel’s Black Panther.
Winston Duke as Lord M’Baku (C) in Marvel’s Black Panther.

The Quint says that M’Baku, a tribal chief played by Winston Duke in the superhero movie, says, “Glory to Hanuman,” at one point in the film. The line was removed from the theatrical cut. M’Baku is the leader of the Jabari mountain tribe, which plays a significant role in the film. His character is known as Man-Ape in the Black Panther comics and according to the report, the mention of Hanuman was intended as a tribute to the God.

Read the Black Panther review here.

Duke’s portrayal of the character, who is a villain in the comics, has been appreciated by the fans. Speaking to Vanity Fair, the actor touched upon the cultural impact of the film. “I would love more stories with strong characters of colour who don’t always fit the mould that Hollywood has created in the past,” he said.

Black Panther has had a record breaking opening at the box office. The film made $235 million (Rs 1500 crore) in its four-day weekend in the United States, besting totals of Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Iron Man 3. The film has collected Rs 29 crore in four days in India (including Thursday previews), which was enought to make it the most successful opening of any solo superhero movie in the country, and the biggest opening for a Hollywood movie in 2018. The film has made $404 million (Rs 2600 crore) worldwide so far.

Here are some reactions from people around the world who spotted the reference:

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