Vaishnavite forum goes to court against 'Dasavatharam'

Public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed in the Madras High Court against Kamal-starrer "Dasavatharam" raising objections to three scenes and the very title of the film.

Admitting the petition from the International Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshana Society, a vacation bench consisting of Justice Rajasuriya and Justice M. Sathyanarayanan ordered notice to the Central Board of Film Certification, Oscar Films (producer) and director K.S. Ravikumar.

Society president Govinda Ramanuja Dasa argued the case himself. According to him, the scenes depicting a violent clash between Saivite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism; Kamal Haasan stepping on "Pranava Mantram" and the Bhagavad Gita; and the scene in which Kamal is tied to the idol of Lord Ranganatha and pushed into the sea, offended the religious faith and sentiment of Vaishnavites.

His objections are based on the film's trailer.

Noting that the film is ready for release on May 15, Dasa said "Dasavatharam" denotes the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and the film carries this "sacred name" to lure a Hindu audience.

Petitioner pleaded that the producer and the director be restrained from releasing the film as it would lead to "untold hardship and irreparable loss".

Expressing surprise, Oscar Ravichandran told the media that the censor board has given a "U" certificate for the film and it has not yet been released. "How can anyone assume the story can hurt a particular community? How can anyone object to a film based on inferences drawn from a mere trailer?" he asked.

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Dasavatharam