The Hindu : Front Page : Do not clear `The Da Vinci Code': Dasmunsi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Do not clear `The Da Vinci Code': Dasmunsi

Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) not to clear `The Da Vinci Code' — based on Dan Brown's bestseller by the same name — for screening until the Government takes a final view. It is alleged that the film attacks the basic tenets of Christianity.

Mr. Dasmunsi said he, along with official representatives of the Catholic Church in India, some CBFC members and officials, would view the film, due for worldwide release on May 19. The screening is likely to be held within the next 24 hours.

In an informal interaction with the media here on Tuesday, the Minister said he had received representations from 290 Christian organisations asking the Government to satisfy itself before taking any decision on releasing the film. The Ministry also received representations from some Christian organisations stating they had no objection to the release of the film.But "keeping in mind the sensitivities of the community, I have decided to take the views of the official representatives of the Catholic Church in India."

Mr. Dasmunsi hinted that he was aware of a political conspiracy to destabilise the Government by creating a controversy over the film.

Referring to past instances, he said he cleared `Rang De Basanti' after viewing it five times. He said a cautious approach was the best towards controversial films.

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