Christian community leaders oppose release of controversial Odia-language film

Christian communities have strongly objected to the release of the Odia film titled Sanatani – Karma hi Dharma slated to be released on Friday (February 7, 2025). They claim the film portrays Jesus Christ, Christians, and Christian services in a derogatory manner.

The National United Christian Forum (NUCF), which is a forum of Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India, National Council of Churches in India and Evangelical Fellowship of India released a statement condemning the release of the film Sanatani – Karma hi Dharma, on February 7.

“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 said.

“The right to freedom of religion, including the right of a citizen to convert to any religion of choice, is enshrined in the Constitution of India, and any attempt to undermine this fundamental right is unconstitutional,” the forum said.

The NUCF further said, “Tribal communities are indigenous people with distinct traditions, rituals, and beliefs which enrich the pluralistic fabric of India. Any attempt to divide them could be seen as a malicious attempt to undermine their fundamental right to land, water and forest.”

Violence faced by Christian communities in Odisha

Stating that there was agonising history of atrocities and violence faced by Christian communities in Odisha, it said, “The loss of life, brutal attacks, and forced displacement are painful reminders of the dangers of religious intolerance. The film is apparently an attempt to perpetuate the false narrative, incite hatred and violence among the peaceful communities in the region.”

The NUCF gave examples of recent incidences of violence and hatred, particularly in States of Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, alleging that government machineries failed to ensure safety and security of minorities.

“Indulging in false propaganda against the fundamental rights of religious freedom to incite violence is deplorable. While we believe in and uphold the freedom of expression, the same must be exercised with caution so as to not cause the targeting of any community or faith,” the NUCF said.

The forum called upon the authorities to intervene, and stop the screening of the film and thereby prevent the harm and danger that may be caused to the peace and harmony of the region.

Earlier, Christian representatives urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi through grievance cell  to intervene and stop the release of film. “The film depicts the subject of conversion in a very biased way and appears to be aimed at discrediting the Christian community in the State,” they said.

“We wish to say that the bogey of conversion is raised as an excuse to attack and assault Christians. It should not happen in Odisha which has enacted the Odisha Freedom of Religious Act, 1967, to regulate such activity. The people involved in the film and those promoting it through social media have been spewing vitriol on Christian community at large accusing it of wrongdoing,” Christian community leaders said. They urged the government not to allow release of film.