Have your say

Do you think Da Vinci Code should be banned? Or should it be released without any cuts in India, like the rest of the world?

Have your say!!!!!

Director Ron Howard's Da Vinci Code has raked up a storm, thanks to its controversial content.

Adapted from Dan Brown's best-selling novel, the film challenges age-old views about Jesus Christ's life.

Catholic priests and laypeople, along with Muslim clerics, have demanded that the film be banned in India.

Starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, the movie is slated to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, and release worldwide on May 19.

In Singapore - the movie got N16 rating too 😕😕

The Bible: Still inspiring Hollywood
The Da Vinci Code may well be the biggest hit of 2006. It certainly won't be the first with a Biblical theme, though. Right from the early 1900s, Hollywood has turned, repeatedly, to those ancient tales. From Ben-Hur and Samson and Delilah, to big-budget films on individual events and the all-powerful figure of Jesus -it's all on film. For those who have forgotten, here's a look back.

Next

Secrets of The Da Vinci Code

Audrey Tautou is going to be big. She can't not be, considering she is the star of what is 2006's most anticipated movie release -- The Da Vinci Code. Audrey plays Sophie Neveu, helping Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) crack the code. Born in Beaumont, France on August 9, 1976, this 29-year old is set to have a couple of very exciting months before she turns 30. We asked Tautou how it all happened, and what the filming was like. Excerpts from an interview. When did you first hear about the novel The Da Vinci Code? When it came out in France. In September 2004, I went to Mexico on vacation and took the novel with me. I found it well put together, very effective. Rather cinematic as well, in the way it's divided up. But, of course, I didn't know it was going to be adapted... And how did you hear about the film? In a rather surprising way. When I came back from my vacation, I went on a promotion tour for my film A Very Long Engagement in the US and Canada. And suddenly, in Toronto, all the journalists were congratulating me on being picked for The Da Vinci Code to be directed by Ron Howard! I was astonished. I kept telling them the truth -- that I didn't even know the film was in preparation and that I had never met Ron Howard -- nobody believed me.

After a short detour to Paris, I went back to Mexico for a few days. There, I got a telephone call from my agent, Claire Blondel, who told me that Ron Howard wanted to meet me. I thought I was too young compared to the character in the book, Sophie Neveu. I finally decided not to make the trip, and told my agent that since shooting wasn't starting immediately, if Ron Howard really wanted to meet me, there would be other opportunities.

Back

|

Next

Secrets of The Da Vinci Code

When did he contact you again? I didn't hear anything in December, but I wasn't expecting to. In the US, I am known for Amelie and I thought the image -- which is very strong because of the film's success -- did not match Sophie Neveu's. But on January 3, I got the first email saying he insisted on meeting me, asking me to come to Los Angeles as soon as possible to do tests with him and Tom Hanks. How did the tests go? What is funny is that, just when we were getting to Venice Beach, where they were held, my driver said, 'Look, there's Tom Hanks, sitting outside at a cafe!' At that point, my heart beat a little faster (laughs). Ron Howard, the producer Brian Grazer and casting director were present. Tom Hanks joined us.

I had warned them at the start that it wasn't going to be brilliant, because I hadn't had enough time to work. I was rather calm, because I was deeply convinced it wasn't going to work out. At the same time, I had a bit of stage fright because it was rather intimidating. The meeting must have lasted two hours and, at the very end -- this is how sure I was of not getting the part -- I took out my camera to get a souvenir snapshot of this memorable moment, and to prove to my sister that I really had met Ron Howard and Tom Hanks (laughs).

Back

|

Next

Secrets of The Da Vinci Code

When did Ron Howard tell you that you were the one? Shortly after that meeting, my agent told me the choice was down to two. That evening, after I'd turned off my cell phone, I suddenly saw I had missed 11 calls in half an hour, all from the same American number! I listened to my messages: I was asked to call Ron Howard directly on his cell phone. When I reached him, he was busy scouting locations at the Louvre. That's when he told me "Okay, it's you.' It was all done in ten days! How did you find the script compared to the book?

It was very close. When they wrote it, they kept in mind the interest readers had in this story. They treated it with great respect. Nothing was toned down. It was obvious that they took the novel as pure fiction and treated it as such. There are explanatory scenes with Teabing (Ian McKellen). For the rest, they filmed a number of historical scenes, sort of flashbacks -- I don't know if they'll make the final cut -- to illustrate the ideas. There were many re-enactments.

Back

|

Next

Secrets of The Da Vinci Code

What did you most appreciate about working with Ron Howard? He adores actors and loves directing them. He is very receptive, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Working with him, I understood why he had sought out French and Spanish actors. He's very curious and without prejudice. He doesn't rest on his laurels, his power or influence. He is open to everything and, at the same time, he is more prepared than anybody. What is Tom Hanks' foremost asset, in your opinion?

Having all the assets! He has no lack or defect that I know of. It's insane! He is so professional it's uncanny, but, in spite of his status, he is unfailingly nice and available. For a director, working with him must be a dream come true.

Back

|

Start

Secrets of The Da Vinci Code

Did you meet Dan Brown, the author? Yes, in London. He told me he was pleased I was playing Sophie Neveu. What touched me was seeing the author of one of the biggest bestsellers in history being shy around Ron Howard and Tom Hanks. Are you anxiously awaiting the film's release? Not really. But when I saw the trailer, I almost made fun of myself -- my hairstyle, the intensity of the car chases? It makes me laugh to see myself in the kind of film I had never imagined being in. In this sort of role, you imagine a gorgeous toned Amazon rather than a mischievous little French girl. I just hope people won't wonder why Ron came looking for me! In conclusion, what are your greatest fear and greatest joy concerning this adventure?

My greatest joy is telling myself I am in the kind of film -- action, suspense, American blockbuster -- that I am likely never to be in again. That amuses me. My greatest fear, given the scale of the project and the expectations, has to do with fame and popularity: I hope I can continue to live the same life I have now.

Da Vinci on hold for another day

Onkar Singh in New Delhi | May 17, 2006 20:29 IST


Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, watched the controversial film, The Da Vinci Code, at Mahadev Auditorium in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to newsmen, the minister said, "I invited a few friends from a particular community to watch it too, and they will give me their inputs by tomorrow afternoon."

He did make it clear, however, that the Government of India would not interfere with the final decision taken by the Censor Board. The Board is expected to meet on Thursday and take a final decision later that evening.

Dasmunsi also said, "Whenever there is a film related to the sentiments of a particular community, and requires sensitivity in social matters, the Censor Board invites experts for their opinion. This does not mean the Board has become redundant."

Meanwhile, Mumbai-based Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) has filed a petition at the Bombay High Court seeking action against Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore for clearing Da Vinci Code.

Its wrong to ban a film as its just a work of fiction 😡