Da Vinci Code all set to be screened in country

New Delhi, May 18: With representatives of the Catholic Church here deciding not to press for a ban on the much-awaited and controversial 'Da Vinci Code', the movie, slated for worldwide release tomorrow, is all set to be screened in the country.

The catholic Bishops, who watched the movie with Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi last night, held a meeting this morning following which they sent their response to the Minister in which they have asked for only a disclaimer telling the audience that the film was a total work of fiction.

''Though the storyline of the film is fundamentally unacceptable to Christians in India, we have not asked for a ban. And in case the Censor Board goes ahead with clearing the movie, it should carry a disclaimer about the fictitious nature of the story and the film should be given 'A' certificate,'' Dr Donald HR De Souza of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India told UNI after the meeting.

The Bishops in their response to the Minister have also pointed out some scenes which they would like the Censor Board to delete from the film.

The Censor Board will take into account the views of bishops before finally clearing the movie which is based on a novel. The book has enraged the Catholic groups as it suggests that Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and sired a child, and that some sections within the Catholic Church resorted to murder to hide the fact.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister had yesterday said his Ministry would not interfere in the matter as final decision in such cases was always taken by the Censor Board.

Mr Dasmunsi said in the case of films which have impact on religious, ethnic or any other social susceptibility, the government has clear guidelines which are followed by the Censor Board. So in the case of Da Vinci Code also, the Board will be guided by the specifications and the views of the Christian experts.

The Board's decision is expected by this evening.

The film is Ron Howard's adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller.

UNI