Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Wrong decision

The Tamil Nadu Government's decision to suspend the screening of the movie The Da Vinci Code is wrong. One wonders what the rationale behind keeping viewers from seeing a film that found its way to the theatres only after much debate and discussion at various levels is. Anyone can see the movie in a theatre outside the State. He can purchase an original video and watch it at home. It is hoped the decision will be reversed.

R. Ramesh Sundar,
Chennai

Faith is not something that can be influenced by screening an odd film. It should be left to the people to make a choice on seeing it rather than impose an official decision.

Nebu Thomas,
Thiruvananthapuram

While the Gujarat Government has unofficially banned Aamir Khan starrer Fanaa, the Punjab, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya Governments have decided not to let the Code be screened, despite both films having CBFC clearance. If State Governments can overrule the CBFC's decision, it is better to scrap it and save taxpayers' money.

N. Nagarajan,
Secunderabad

When the Central Government has, after careful consideration, agreed to release the film, why should one State after another suspend its screening? The Governments are trying to please one section at the cost of others' rights.

Bhuvaneswari Vamci Krishna,
Chennai

It is surprising that of all Governments, the Tamil Nadu Government, headed by the DMK, a party that owes its origin to the movement of Periyar who solidly stood against any religious beliefs and sentiments, should suspend the film. I do not think the reasons given by the Government will stand a moment's judicial scrutiny. Films of this kind should be welcomed as they tend to reduce strong religious feelings and provoke free thought.

S. Satishkumar,
Chennai

The ideological guru of the DMK said, "those who believe in god are fools." I presume god here refers only to Hindu gods. That the party should worry about a film hurting the sentiments of Christians is ironical. One wonders in what way such secularists are different from religious fundamentalists.

T. Srinivasan,
Chennai

The move is a clear violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. The argument that the film's screening can affect law and order is not tenable because it is being shown elsewhere peacefully. Narendra Modi can take solace from the fact that he is not alone when it comes to obstructing freedom.

Sannapareddy Krishna Reddy,
Nellore, A.P.

Why suspend the film's release in Tamil Nadu when it has been running in the theatres of other States? No major incident of violence has been reported from anywhere after its release. The decision is clearly dictated by vote-bank considerations.

B. Bharath,
Coimbatore

A ban on the movie is most essential. Indians are unique believers in fiction over fact. They actually believe that India is a democracy with rule of law and governance, and believe the promises of politicians. Exposing them to non-governmental fiction would threaten the very fabric of the nation.

S. Suchindranath Aiyer,
Bangalore

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

An opportunity to unite people
Republicans in trouble
Caste matters in the Indian media
Corrections and clarifications
Monsoon and the weatherman's woes
New test offers speedy reading of genetic make-up
Praise for police
Wrong decision
Reservation row
Temples and traditions
"There is a very deep-rooted prejudice"

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu