Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Da Vinci Code

This refers to the news that the Government has cleared the release of The Da Vinci Code, and that the film will carry a disclaimer. But one wonders why such a fuss preceded the move. The movie is based on fiction. The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, the Very Rev. Alec Knight, branded the book "a load of old tosh," but agreed to let the film be shot at the cathedral after the producers reportedly made a donation of £100,000.

N. Nagaraja Rao,
Secunderabad

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The Government has set a bad precedent by screening the movie for approval by the Catholic community. Does it show similar interest when sentiments of all religious groups are hurt? Freedom of expression is the same for all.

G. Padmakumar,
Chennai

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So many movies have hurt the sentiments of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, and religions across the world. There are movies glorifying Ravana, but they have found acceptance.

Anuradha Venkatraman,
Chennai

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The much-hyped work is neither the first nor will it be the last. It is fiction and needs to be treated as such.

C.G. Devy,
Mannuthy, Kerala

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The book can be read and enjoyed as a thriller, without accepting the main storyline of Jesus Christ marrying Mary Magdalene. Long before Robert Langdon falls to his knees before the supposed tomb of Mary Magdalene the storyline falls flat. The Vatican has not banned the book or the film. Can Tom Hanks undermine our faith?

Beatrix D'Souza,
Chennai

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The book, the people are sure, is fictional. Moreover, a hypothesis cannot be the basis for asserting anything that is historical. Anything that is controversial is exceedingly attractive. Nevertheless, it is still conjecture.

A. Edward Maria,
Chennai

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When will the self-appointed morality brigade understand that by drawing attention to what it considers offensive cinema or literature, it only fuels massive public interest in it? It hurled Salman Rushdie to celebrity-dom almost overnight and has now made The Da Vinci Code an even greater success! Such touchiness is proof of insecurity.

Sugeeta Roy Choudhury,
Pune

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That Jesus survived the crucifixion is a belief that was held by many. The most authentic statement of that is found in Holger Kersten's Jesus lived in India. We don't burn such books because they are against the time-honoured Christian position. Truth need not be propped up by any fanatical group that cries foul whenever confronted by the freedom to investigate. To stifle that freedom in the name of truth is dangerous, especially in a country known for its diversity and tolerance.

Jacob George,
Changanacherry, Kerala

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I fail to understand why so much of fuss is being made over the release of a work of fiction. Why should people be afraid of new ideas? If one has adequate faith in his religion, there is no need to fear new questions. Jesus himself asked people to change the way they thought. He was against hypocrisy and judging people. He was against imposing his will on others. The Da Vinci Code is an action thriller and is interesting. It would be worthwhile to recall French philosopher Voltaire's words: "I disagree with everything you say, but I will until my death defend your right to say it."

Prashant Solomon,
New Delhi

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Religion is something that most people take very seriously. So while dealing with religious sentiments, the media and artists should take utmost care. Freedom of expression is no doubt guaranteed under the Constitution. But it is not without restraints.

R. Kanagaraj,
Coimbatore

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