DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson on Friday wrote to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking to stay/revoke the censor board film certificate granted to screen the film Sanatani-Karma hi Dharma premiered in Odisha on Friday to protect the rights of minorities as it allegedly portrays Jesus Christ in a derogatory manner.
In a letter, copies of which were released to the media here, he said "I write this letter under the direction of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to protect the rights of minorities and to bring to your attention a matter of serious concern regarding the release of the film Sanatani - Karma hi Dharma, which was premiered today in Odisha."
"This film, as reported, derogatorily portrays Jesus Christ, Christians, and Christian services, distorting the image of Jesus and misrepresenting key aspects of Christian doctrine, including the sacrament of Baptism. Furthermore, it depicts conversion as a criminal activity, which is a blatant affront to the right to freedom of religion enshrined in the Constitution of India", he said.
"The Constitution safeguards every citizen's right to choose and practice their faith freely. Any attempt to undermine this fundamental right is unconstitutional and poses a threat to the social fabric of our diverse nation", he said.
Mr Wilson contended that additionally, the film appears to target tribal communities, who are integral to India’s pluralistic heritage, by perpetuating divisive narratives. Such efforts threaten their fundamental rights to land, water, and forest, while fostering communal disharmony. Allowing this film to screen could further incite hatred and violence against peaceful communities.
"It is deeply concerning that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially denied certification for the film in Cuttack. However, the filmmakers obtained a UA certificate from CBFC’s Mumbai office after making minor modifications,including a change in the film’s title", he said, in the letter.
This raises serious questions about regulatory oversight and the adequacy of safeguards to prevent films from becoming tools for communal polarization.
"While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must not come at the expense of targeting communities or inciting violence. Considering the serious concern, I urge you to take immediate action by issuing a directive to stay the censor board certificate granted for screening of the film Sanatani -Karma hi Dharma across the country until its content and certification process are thoroughly reviewed; Direct the CBFC to revoke the film's certification, given the concerns regarding its misleading, offensive, and socially divisive content and review the film ensuring compliance with the guidelines designed to safeguard public order and communal harmony", the DMK MP said.
"India’s true strength lies in its unity amidst diversity. In a period where maintaining communal harmony is critically important, permitting the screening of such a film risk creating division and deeply offending the sentiments of millions of Christians across the nation", he said, adding "I hope for your prompt intervention to address this pressing issue".(UNI)
