Guard freedom of expression

To allow the exhibiting of the film PK to be disrupted by anyone in the name of religion is to surrender to each and every self-styled critic of the creative arts. In a democracy, freedom of expression is a tenet far too precious to be denied on the whims of persons who may not even have viewed the entire film. It matters not which religion such zealots belong to, nor does it matter what work of art becomes the object of such denigration. Authorities must view such demonstrativeness as a serious law and order problem.

Going by the screenplay and storyline, what indeed would an alien who lands on Earth and loses his remote to travel back home think of those who think nothing of causing civil disturbances just to take a crack at a work of fiction? Once films are passed by the censors, no one has the right to disturb its exhibition. The reluctance of the law to curb the demonstrators reflects poorly on the will of the governments to crack down on lumpen elements who use political affiliation as an enabling tool. Much the same happened to Kamal Haasan’s movie Vishwaroopam, although disruptions happened only in one state.

This Indian phenomenon of taking offence at anything in the name of religion is in reality a mask for committed troublemakers more intent on disturbing the peace. It must be tackled with an iron hand.