The film, PK , is a hilarious but a timely appeal to reason, logic and the commonsense of a multi-faith audience to see through the vague ambiguities, tricks and PR employed by the priestly class to keep its flock together and feed its coffers, all in the name of a wrong brand of god (“ >Cinemas screening PK vandalised ,” Dec.30). It would be downright puerile to even suggest that the film is against a particular faith, though the idea is projected through the example of the majority faith so as to reach the most minds. This is a must-see movie if we are to sustain democracy in a pluralistic society. I think the community of ‘babas’ and ‘deras’ that are exposed in the film will be the hardest hit and, not unsurprisingly, will use every weapon in their armoury to block this unprecedented exposure of their existence.
Mohan Singh,
Amritsar
Yet another violent protest against a film cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification! It seems BJP governments in western India do not want to be seen as being on the wrong side of the fence and against those who have overwhelmingly supported them. It also raises the question as to why so-called Hindu right activists do not stage a similar protest against fake sadhus and babas who are exploiting many in the name of religion.
N. Nagarajan,
Chennai
As a leading actor, Aamir Khan should have consulted the heads of devout Hindu religious groups before the screening. The opinion of those close to the actor does not count and should not be considered as being representative of the majority of the followers of the religion the film depicts.
H. Narayanan,
Bengaluru
It has become fashionable for some to depict religion in offensive portrayals and caricatures. Hindus, by nature, are tolerant and this should not be construed as a licence to offend their sentiments with impunity. The intelligentsia must remind Mr. Khan how an “innocent caricature” by a Danish cartoonist created such a furore and invited fatwas . The CBFC should have held a more balanced view and suggested cuts. Artistes must realise that when it comes to certain subjects, whether as art on a canvas or as a portrayal on celluloid, there are some red lines .
V.N. Ramachandran,
Vadodara
