Wait for Da Vinci Code ends; shows from tomorrow

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) The eagerly awaited 'Da Vinci Code', the film that evoked worldwide protests from Catholic groups because of controversial refrences to the life of Jesus Christ, is being released in the country tomorrow with all the Censor Board conditions fulfilled.

The film, which has been dubbed in four India Languages, is only for adult viewing. It will be screened without any cuts, but will carry an additional disclaimer.

Censor Board regional officer Vinayak Azad today told UNI over phone from Mumbai that the film will carry a disclaimer both at the beginning and at the end saying that all the characters and incidents portrayed and the names in it were fictitious.

It will run for 15 seconds each time on every print of the film.

Producers Sony Pictures had earlier resisted carrying the additional disclaimer which has delayed the screening of the film in India. It was released all over the world on May 19. They had argued that the film was already carrying a legal statement at the end that clearly tells the reader that it was based on a work of fiction.

Mr Azad today said,''The film has to carry the additional disclaimer at the beginning. And that is the Censor Board condition to which the producers have agreed.'' Views of representatives of the Catholic Church were taken into account before clearing release of the film.

The movie is Ron Howard's adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller, with Tom Hank in the lead role.

The film has already been released in 62 countries between May 17 and 19.

Directed by Ron Howard, the production is an adaptation of Dan Brown's novel that has sold more than 30 million copies. The novel turned controversial as it suggests Jesus married his female disciple Mary Magdalene and had a child with her, which conflicts with the Christian faith.

The Da Vinci Code, which has generated 231.8 million dollars worldwide in its opening days, the second-biggest film debut in history, is now being eagerly awaited in the country.

However, the film may not be screened in the north-eastern state of Nagaland as it has been banned by the state government. Other states in the Christian dominated North East India have not take up the extreme view of the film.

Four of the seven states in the region have a Christian majority.

UNI NAZ SB DS1626