Jawan: Did Shah Rukh Khan-Starrer Movie Copy This Scene From Apocalypto?

A viral tweet has ignited a debate comparing a scene from the Shah Rukh Khan movie "Jawan" to a similar one in the film "Apocalypto," with allegations of plagiarism swirling around the filmmakers.

According to many social media users, the contentious scene in question features tribal people using ants for healing an injured man, a concept shared with the 2006 movie "Apocalypto," which focuses on Mayan culture.

The particular scene takes place in the film's prologue, where we encounter Shah Rukh Khan's character, Vikram Rathore, in an almost lifeless state, discovered by a tribe living near the northeastern border of India. To address his injuries and mend his wounds, the village's healer employs an unconventional approach. In order to provide healing akin to that of a bandage, the ant's head is removed while firmly attached to the wound, functioning much like a staple.

Supporters of the "Jawan" filmmakers contend that the use of ants in healing practices is a widespread cultural element and not necessarily indicative of plagiarism when depicted in a film. Conversely, critics argue that the uncanny resemblance between the two scenes suggests more than mere coincidence, insinuating that "Jawan" may have borrowed directly from "Apocalypto."

The director of ''Jawan'', Atlee has yet to respond to the plagiarism accusations, but some observers have noted his history of incorporating similar scenes in his prior works.

Earlier, when the teaser of the ''Jawan'' was released, many viewers had pointed out similarities between "Jawan" and the 1990 Hollywood film "Darkman," citing shared scenes and side-by-side stills as evidence.

Those who defend the Jawan filmmakers argued that the use of ants for healing is a customary practice across various cultures, thereby arguing against the plagiarism claims. Additionally, they highlight the geographical distinction between the two scenes, as "Jawan" is set in India while "Apocalypto" unfolds in Central America. This distinction suggests that the "Jawan" filmmakers might have drawn inspiration from a shared traditional practice rather than directly copying "Apocalypto."

However, it is still too early to say for sure whether the Jawan filmmakers copied the scene from Apocalypto.

For the unversed, Atlee, known for his directorial debut "Raja Rani," has made his Bollywood entry with "Jawan." Following his successful collaborations with Vijay in "Theri," "Mersal," and "Bigil," Atlee teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan to helm "Jawan." The film, released in three languages-Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu-has received glowing reviews.

Atlee began his career as an assistant to the renowned South Indian director Shankar. Notably, Atlee's films, from "Raja Rani" to "Bigil," have been associated with plagiarism controversies.

"Jawan," a commercial action film and the result of the Shah Rukh Khan-Atlee collaboration, has garnered a warm reception from fans. It has received favorable reviews across India and achieved an impressive Rs 75 crore on its opening day at the box office.

The Atlee-directed film has accumulated an impressive total of Rs 129.6 crore in global box office earnings. In achieving this milestone, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer has scripted the biggest opening day in the history of Hindi cinema. Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh has additionally provided insights into "Jawan's" box office performance in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK.