LI Network
Published on: January 18, 2024 at 12:30 IST
The Kerala High Court has raised concerns about growing intolerance in matters of faith while addressing a petition against a scene in the upcoming Malayalam film ‘Antony,’ where a gun is placed on a Bible.
Justice Ramachandran questioned the petitioner’s objection, stating, “Should we be so intolerant that even for a passing reference to a book you should take up objection? Even if it is the Bible, doesn’t there need to be a negative reference or connotation for you to object.”
The Court pointed out that regardless of the holy text used in the scene, some section of the audience would be dissatisfied. The judge mentioned, “The Bible is used to hide a gun, so Christians are unhappy. If it is the Gita, Hindus will become unhappy. If it is the Quran, Muslims will be unhappy.”
Highlighting the historical context, the judge noted that placing a gun in a Bible is not a new concept, as it has been depicted multiple times in English cinema during the 1960s and 70s. He stated, “Keeping a gun in a Bible is something that has been done umpteen times in English cinema in the 60s and 70s. It is just that Malayalees are doing it now.”
Questioning the petitioner’s objection to a “fleeting scene” involving a Bible, the judge emphasized that the movie ‘Antony’ has already been cleared by the Censor Board, and the contentious Bible scene has been blurred.
The Court also pointed out that filing such a petition benefits only the movie makers and questioned the motive behind it. The judge agreed to watch the disputed portion of the movie in court and requested the counsel to present the scene.
The case has been scheduled for another hearing after two weeks.