Christian protest against film about forced conversions of tribals in Odisha
Released today, “Sanatani: Karma Hi Dharma" is yet another picture that risks fuelling religious tensions. According to Christian activists, the meaning of baptism is misrepresented in the film. Several communities joined the protest, remembering that violence already out broke for the same reasons in the tribal-majority state in 2008.
Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) – Another film that depicts religious minorities in a negative way was released today. This time, Christians were the target.
Titled “Sanatani: Karma Hi Dharma”, the motion picture opened despite protests from Christians, who fear an increase in tensions, fuelled by several members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu ultranationalist party.
The Orissa High Court rejected an application to block the film's release, but called on the central and state governments to remain vigilant in case of incidents. It also ruled that if there is controversial content, the film may be subject to a new review after release.
The film deals with the topic of religious conversions in the tribal-majority state of Odisha (Orissa). The trailer shows how indigenous groups are being converted and deprived of their lands.
In Kandhamal, Christian community leaders have called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, a member of the BJP, to stop the film's release, arguing that it paints Christians in a negative light.
Religion is “a sensitive issue, [and] such films may lead to tension between two communities,” said Martin Pradhan, a community member who signed the protest letter.
According to Christian representatives, the release of the trailer has already generated fear and stress among the faithful.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s regional office in Cuttack rejected a request to certify the movie, which was later given a U/A certification[*] by CBFC’s Mumbai office.
The movie’s lead actor, Acharya, said that the original title "Hey Ram: Karma Hi Dharma" was changed at the CBFCs’ request, as were some scenes.
He also pointed out that, in addition to conversions, the film deals with social issues like superstition and witchcraft. “There is nothing against any religion in the film but religious conversions have been its focus,” he said.
For Christian activists, the film is like Madhya Pradesh’s Niyogi Report in the 1950s, which accused Catholic missionaries of forced conversions and led to the adoption of the first anti-conversion laws in India.
This film “will have a national impact since it got censor board clearance. We fear more attacks in Odisha,” said Fr Ajaya Kumar Singh, a Catholic priest from Kandhamal and a human rights activist, speaking to AsiaNews.
The National United Christian Forum (NUCF), which brings together the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, the National Council of Churches in India, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India, issued a statement condemning the release of the film.
“The film derogatorily portrays Jesus Christ, Christians, and Christian services, distorting the image of Jesus, key aspects of Christian doctrine, particularly the sacrament of Baptism, and misrepresenting conversion as a criminal activity,” the NUCF’s statement reads.
Christians make up 2.7 per cent of Odisha’s population, Muslims are 2.3 per cent, while the Hindu majority is around 94 per cent.
In 2008, the district of Kandhamal was the scene of religious violence, fuelled by false accusations of forced conversions against Christians.
In recent years, several Indian films have sparked heated controversies for the way they represent religious minorities and some historical events from India's past.
In recent weeks, at least 20 out of 30 districts have petitioned local authorities to warn of the dangers posed by the film's hate campaign, while several Christian organisations have organised protests.
Some Christians joined the All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation or BAMCEF movement (which also includes non-Christians) to file a memorandum against the film.
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[*] Unrestricted public exhibition, with parental guidance for children under 12
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12/04/2022 18:34
13/05/2022 18:41
