Special Correspondent
Blasphemous: Catholic Secular Forum
PANAJI: The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), a Mumbai-based community non-governmental organisation leading protests against the alleged blasphemous film Angels & Demons, based on Dan Brown’s novel, has called upon the censor board to have wider consultations for cuts.
In a statement on Saturday, Joseph Dias, general secretary, urged Catholic bishops to call for a boycott of the film.
It also filed a complaint with the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, urging him to take action against officials of Sony Pictures on various counts.
Memorandum
The CSF submitted a memorandum to Central Board for Film Certification chairperson Sharmila Tagore, calling for wider consultations to further scan the film and ensure that it did not hurt the sentiments of Christians.
Scenes depicting violence in churches should be removed and care should be taken while dubbing the film in other languages.
“The film has not been cut anywhere in the world, nor a disclaimer used. Hence, the CSF has asked the Censor Board chief to refuse certification, if the same is not complied with by Sony Pictures,” said Mr. Dias.
The bishops, Union Ministries and community NGOs needed to be involved. The earlier revision committee, which recommended a disclaimer and an A certificate, was based in the capital and not comprehensive enough, said Mr. Dias.
If the film was not cut adequately to remove the objectionable scenes, the CSF would consider legal options, he warned.
