Hindu Film Censor Board member announces 'The Passion' as a 'must-watch' movie

Mumbai, India – Kintop Pictures are extremely pleased after not only seeing the Indian Film Censor Board clear Mel Gibson's blockbuster movie 'The Passion of the Christ' without any extra editing cuts, but also recently it suggested a new rating for the movie to allow its message to reach a wider audience despite the graphic depiction of violence.

In an unprecedented move the Central Board of Film Certification has recommended a new rating called "U/AA," for the American movie, board member Anjan Srivastava said, according to news source. He said the new category would mean the board recommends it for "universal viewing but strictly under parental or educational institutional guidance" for children.

Currently, the board employs four rating categories for films: "U" for universal viewing with no age restriction, "U/A" for parental guidance, "A" for adults only and "S" for specialized films such as medical training films and defense-related documentaries.

"Undoubtedly, it is a visually violent film," explained Srivastava, a Hindu by birth. "However, its universal message of nonviolence, forgiveness, tolerance, harmony and peace warrants that it be seen by all people including children."

"The Passion of the Christ is a film with historical facts which should be shown to the educational institutions all over India for its sheer message of nonviolence, forgiveness and peace," Srivastava continued. He added he "would not hesitate for a second to show the film to (his) 8-year-old daughter as children need to learn the message of nonviolence and forgiveness in their formative years."

The member of the Censor Board also said that four members of the board viewed the film two weeks ago and recommended the "A" rating but later decided to suggest the "U/AA" rating.

He explained they agreed that though the film contains "very violent scenes for children," it also conveys a peaceful message that deserves to be seen by a wide audience.

The Film Censor Board has 26 members of which noted actor-director Anupam Kher is the Chairman. "The recommendation of the two women and two men who viewed 'The Passion' will go to our board chairman on his return from London in two weeks," Mr. Srivastava said.

"The film is most relevant also to educate the fundamentalists bashing the minority communities in the name of religion in India," he added. Incidentally, the country has recently witnessed numerous cases of sectarian violence and instances of religious intolerance with attacks stepping up against Christians and Muslims by Hindu fanatics.

The movie that has several visually powerful scenes and dramatic depictions of the last 12 hours of Christ before He was crucified is expected to create an impact and be received favorably by the Indian viewers. The movie that has been released all over the world including the hard-line Middle-east nations have wrought miracles by converting the heart of many to become better human beings.

Mahesh Bhatt, a leading Indian filmmaker, said that every Indian should see the film at a time when the nation is being torn apart by communal violence.

Speaking to a news channel, Bhatt said that he was impressed with the censor board members' insight and brave move to think of a new category for the film to make it available for viewing by a larger audience.

"The story of Christ is an extraordinary tale of tolerance, brotherhood and forgiveness in the face of religious violence superbly captured in the passion of Christ by talented film maker (Mel) Gibson," he added.

In the past, Kintop Pictures have successfully produced and marketed cross-over films like "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Bride and Prejudice." "Passion of the Christ," which will be released in India no later than May 7th, has grossed over $350 million to date in the U.S. to become one of the blockbusters of the year. The film, starring James Caviezel as Jesus, Maia Morgenstern as Mary and Monica Bellucci as Magdalene is the highest "R" rated film ever topping "Matrix Reloaded" to occupy the number one in the U.S. where it is projected to gross in excess of $400 million at the end of its run making it amongst the top ten highest grossing films ever.