Da Vinci Code cleared for screening without cuts

New Delhi, May 18: Controversial religious thriller ' The Da Vinci Code', related to the life of Jesus Christ, has been cleared for screening in India without any cuts but with an 'A' certificate.

The movie, a Ron Howard's adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller, is slated for worldwide release tomorrow.

The decision was taken by the Central Board of Film Certification today after taking into account the response of the representatives of the Catholic Church, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi announced here this evening.

''The film will be screened in its original form but there will be a short disclaimer that the storyline of the movie was based on complete fiction. Besides it has been given an 'A' Certificate,'' the Minister said.

Though the film could be screened from tomorrow, there might be a delay of one or two days as the producer was out of the country and could not be handed over the certificate, Mr Dasmunsi said.

The Catholic Bishops, who watched the movie with the Information and Broadcasting Minister last night, held a meeting this morning following which they sent their response to the Minister in which they asked for only a disclaimer telling the audience that the film was a total work of fiction and that it should carry an 'A' certificate.

However, the Minister said the Censor Board had already decided about this even before receiving the bishops' views.

The movie has enraged the Catholic groups as it suggests that Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and had a child by her, and that some sections within the Catholic Church resorted to murder to hide the fact.

UNI