Deepa Mehta’s film about widows was initially prevented from being made in which city?

The correct option is Varanasi.

Explanation

The question pertains to the controversy surrounding the production of the film Water (2005), directed by Deepa Mehta. The film is the third installment in her "Elements trilogy" and deals with the social restrictions imposed on widows in pre-independence India.

Detailed Analysis:

• Initial Location (Varanasi): In early 2000, Deepa Mehta and her crew began the production of Water in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). The script was set in a widow's ashram in Varanasi during the 1930s.
• The Controversy: The filming faced severe opposition from local activists and socio-political groups. Protesters alleged that the film's depiction of widows was derogatory to Hindu culture and tradition.
• Prevention of Filming: Violent protests led to the destruction of film sets (ghats specially prepared for the shoot). Consequently, the state government intervened, and the shooting was halted to maintain law and order.
• Relocation: Due to the inability to shoot in India, the film was eventually shot in Sri Lanka several years later, with a different cast, under the pseudonym "River Moon."

Key Takeaway:

Deepa Mehta’s film Water was initially prevented from being filmed in Varanasi due to violent protests alleging cultural insensitivity; it was later filmed in Sri Lanka.