Kannada film row: Notice to Censor Board

There is no end to controversies surrounding the recently released Kannada film Katari Veera Surasundarangi, starring Sandalwood superstars Upendra and Ramya. On Tuesday, the High Court, while hearing a petition against the screening of the film, issued notices to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The petitioners, Nagarajun Naidu and others, have contended that the film (released on May 10) has several objectionable scenes and dialogues against Hindu gods. The film has hurt the feelings of many Hindus in general, they added.

They said that many scenes depict the hero Upendra hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus and sought for a direction from the court to stop its screening across the state.

They petitioners pointed out that statewide protests were held against the screening of the movie. Many saints had joined the protests and several pro-Hindu organisations have condemned the censor board for allowing the screening of the film.

The script has been written by Upendra and Janardhan Maharshi and produced by Munirathna. The film is a sequel to Rakta Kaneeru, which was released in 2003.

The case had come up for hearing before Justice Mohana Shanthana Goudar and was adjourned by two weeks.

The petitioners have listed many scenes in the film, which they found objectionable. In one scene the hero asks Yama (God of the death in Hindu mythology) as to why he has not given any punishment to Lord Rama and Krishna, though they had done many misdeeds.

There is also a scene where the hero kicks and hits many gods, worshipped by Hindus.