Two petitioners, Idma Kurami and Amodh Kumar Bardhan, filed writ petitions requesting the court to intervene and stay the film’s release.
Orissa: The Orissa High Court rejected the request to stay the release of the Odia film Sanatani, which has sparked controversy due to allegations that it disrespects the Christian religion and could potentially disturb the peace and order.
ALSO READ: ‘Hamare Baarah’ Movie Contains No Objectionable Content Against Muslims: Bombay HC
The movie, slated for release on February 7, 2025, is facing criticism for allegedly containing scenes that show religious intolerance towards Christianity.
Two petitioners, Idma Kurami and Amodh Kumar Bardhan, filed writ petitions requesting the court to intervene and stay the film’s release.
The petitions were heard by a Division Bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ advocate presented a pen-drive with a recording of the movie trailer along with English translations of the dialogues.
The lawyer claimed that the movie features “derogatory dialogues and scenes against Christianity,” which suggest that the tribal community is being assimilated into the Hindu community, which has been labeled as disrespectful by some.
Despite these claims, the producer of the film, Bijay Kandoi, dismissed the allegations, stating, “There was no protest from any quarters and the film has received good response from people in different places of Odisha.”
Kandoi emphasized that the film does not contain anything that could offend any community. The film’s director, Basudev Barad, also defended the movie, asserting that it was created without any intention to hurt religious sentiments.
The actor in the lead role, Sambit Acharya, further added, “All people should watch the film and then give their opinion,” urging the public to view the film before forming any judgments.
Initially, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had denied certification for the film in its regional office in Cuttack. However, after certain edits and a change in the title from Hey Ram: Karma Hi Dharma to Sanatani: Karma Hi Dharma, the film was granted a UA certification by the CBFC office in Mumbai.
Acharya confirmed, “The censor board had suggested changing the title of the film from ‘Hey Ram: Karma Hi Dharma’ to ‘Sanatani: Karma Hi Dharma’ and edit some portions of the film. The producer has complied with the suggestions of CBFC.”
The movie has already been released in about 30 cinemas across Odisha. The screenings in the towns of Balasore and Bhadrak have taken place under tight security provided by Odisha Police, according to Amresh, who is overseeing the screenings.
Meanwhile, the National United Christian Forum, which includes the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India, the National Council of Churches in India, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India, has condemned the release of the film. They have raised concerns that the movie could hurt the sentiments of the Christian community.
Case Title: Idma Kurami & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
