Article Added On: April 03, 2008 - over 3 years ago
Title: Is Mike Myers' new comedy good fun or an insult to Hindus?
Original URL: http://showbizblog.ctv.ca/blog/_archives/2008/4/1/3614711.html
Author: Constance Droganes
Publication: CTV
Publication Date: April 01, 2008 - over 3 years ago
Faith Groups: Hindu
Themes: religion in the media, religious tolerance/intolerance, other

Abstract: "The Love Guru," Mike Myers' upcoming summer comedy, is already stoking the fires of controversy among concerned American Hindus.

"The Love Guru," Mike Myers' upcoming summer comedy, is weeks away from hitting theatres. But its humour is already stoking the fires of controversy among concerned American Hindus.

Fans of "Wayne's World" or "Austin Powers" won’t find anything out of the ordinary in Myers' over-the-top comedy. Starring as "the second best guru in India," Myers brings Guru Pitka to life with long hair and a beard, flowing caftans and impossible yoga poses. There's Guru Pitka's sappy sitar renditions of pop songs and his spiritual mantra, "Mariska Hargitay." Finally, there's his campy movie mission. For $2 million he heads to the West to heal a hockey star's romance and help his team win the Stanley Cup.

Toss in cameos by spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra and Hindu actor Manu Narayan and "The Love Guru" seems harmless enough. Not so say some members of North America's Hindu community.

To them Myers' film is stereotypical and has the potential to ridicule important elements of their religion. But to Myers – a man who turned to spirituality after his father's death in 1991 – this flick's "non-denominational" silliness was meant to break down barriers and "get you light so you're in a place to receive love."

Mike Myers is very a funny guy. But maybe people are more inclined to scrutinize "The Love Guru" after seeing "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan?" That film made $128 million. But it also mocked a group of people too small to matter to Hollywood. That's not the case here, however.

Knowing Myers' track record are critics right to call his trademark silliness mean-spirited? Or should people of all ethnicities be more vigilant about political incorrectness given Borat's impact on Hollywood?