The Madras High Court has ordered notice on a writ petition seeking a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to remove scenes which offended the sentiments of Hindus in the Tamil film ‘Dasavatharam’ while issuing the censorship certificate.

In its petition, the International Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshanaa Society, represented by its president, Swami Govinda Ramanuja Dasa, said the title ‘Dasavatharam’ was a ruse to criticize Hinduism. It lured Hindus. However, offensive scenes such as clash between Saivites and Vaishnavites formed the theme of the story.

The trailer of the film, telecast on 1 May in Kalaignar TV showed scenes that offended the sentiments of Hindus, particularly Vaishnavites. Vaishnavism preached non-violence, tolerance and humility.

The petitioner submitted that his grievance was restricted to the role played by the actor as Sri Ramanujar and the connected scenes of violence.