Distributors of The Da Vinci Code in India dug in their heels on Friday in a row over a disclaimer ordered by censors that has delayed the launch of the film.
MUMBAI: Distributors of The Da Vinci Code in India dug in their heels on Friday in a row over a disclaimer ordered by censors that has delayed the launch of the film.
Indian authorities cleared the film for adult viewing 24 hours before the movie's planned release on Friday after protests by Catholic groups but only if the filmmaker stated at the start of the movie it was a work of fiction.
Distributors Sony Pictures Releasing India said a disclaimer was unnecessary and gave no date for its eventual release.
"In light of the fact the film includes a legal card that states that characters and incidents are fictitious, the company does not believe additional or modified language should be required," Sony said.
It added, "We hope that an agreement can be reached as soon as possible so that the people of India can see The Da Vinci Code along with audiences throughout the world."
Vikramjit Roy, official spokesperson for Sony, said, "We are in dialogue with the Censor Board about this,"
The censors' clearance, without any cuts, came a day after it was viewed by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
Christians account for less than two percent of India's billion plus population and rarely resort to political action.
But the head of one Catholic group went on hunger strike for less than two days to try to persuade political leaders to ban the film.
Joseph Dias said he would not return to his fast.
His group filed a court petition seeking a ban on releasing the thriller in India but the move was turned down Friday.
The Bombay High Court refused to stay the release of the controversial film, saying such an order would be premature at the moment.
Dias had filed a petition in the High Court on May 17 seeking action against the Central Board of Film Certification and Sony Pictures for hurting the religious feelings of Christians. His petition sought a ban on the movie.
When the matter came up for hearing before vacation judge K J Rohee, Dias' lawyer Pradip Havnur urged that the judge preview the film before deciding on the issue.
But the censor board's lawyer told the court that though the panel had cleared the film, the producers will have to insert a disclaimer saying it is a work of fiction to get a formal nod.
Sony would be able to release the movie only after fulfilling this condition, the court was informed.
Rohee held it would be premature to stay the film's release at this stage. He said the petition would be taken up only after the court's summer vacation.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=spacer}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}