This plot line resonates with the fears that Hindutva groups have been expressing about so-called love jihad: they claim that Muslim men are waging a campaign to court Hindu women, expressly so that they can convert them to Islam. PK portrays a romance between a Pakistani boy and a Hindu girl.
Some social media users also claim that the film, which is a critique of irrationality and superstition, makes fun of Hindu gods.
Here are some objections they have articulated.
#BoycottPK where Indian girl falls in love with a nice Pakistani boy, mocking all those ‘silly Hindu fanatics’ who harp about #LOVE JIHAD,
— Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) December 20, 2014
#boycottPK, where the heroin shows her finger online at the 'bad' Hindu Guru, while her 'good' pakistani boyfriend comes t sit next t her
— Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) December 21, 2014
It didn't take long for fans of free expression to strike back.
Bhakts are trending #BoycottPK . Then it must be a sensible film. Now planning to watch it. Had no plans earlier.
— Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) December 21, 2014
Why boycott PK ya...why not smoking, boozing, drugs, hypocrisy, Dhongi babas, Faku Pandits ?? #WeSupportPK
— Leena Goenka (@LeenaGoenka) December 21, 2014