Suspense continues over the release of the controversial film 'The Da Vinci Code,' with the government saying it would decide by Thursday on clearing the movie after receiving the response of Christian leaders who attended a special screening in New Delhi on Wednesday.
"We have seen the movie with members of the community and they will submit their views to us by noon on Thursday after which the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will analyse them and come out with a decision by the evening," Information and Broadcasting Minister PR Dasmunsi told reporters after watching the movie with Catholic leaders.
The government organised the special screening of the movie, set to premiere at the Cannes film festival on Wednesday, for Catholic groups that are demanding a ban on it.
Based on Dan Brown's novel that suggests Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and started a family, the $125 million movie stars Tom Hanks and is set for release in India on May 19.
Dasmunsi said neither the government nor the ministry would have a role to play in the movie's release, which would be decided according to the feedback from religious groups.
{{/usCountry}}Dasmunsi said neither the government nor the ministry would have a role to play in the movie's release, which would be decided according to the feedback from religious groups.
{{/usCountry}}"If I have their views before Thursday noon, I'll ask the CBFC to decide by Thursday evening. Hopefully, CBFC will decide by Thursday evening," he said.
Asked for his personal opinion on the film, Dasmunsi said as a "movie production" and a work of fiction, it was "okay".