Slated to release this Thursday, Telecos urge ban on Rajinikanth’s 2.0

On one side the Superstar Rajnikanth-starrer 2.0 is awaited to hit the silver screens on November 29^th with devout fans upping the ritualistic celebrations, and the other side is the Cellular Operations Association of India (COAI) demanding a ban on the movie’s release.

It is heard that the COAI has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the film’s depiction of mobile phones and cell phone towers emitting electromagnetic radiations in the environment that is responsible for the killing of birds and animals. The association has moved forward to allege that the content of the film is defamatory compelling CBFC to revoke the certification of the film.

According to a complaint letter by the ‘non-governmental society’ that is ‘dedicated to the advancement of modern communication’, the film “falsely depicts mobile phones and mobile towers as harmful to living creatures and the environment including birds and human beings, on account of electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from them.”

The film including its teasers, trailers, and other promotional videos, is further berated by the COAI for violating its ‘constitutional rights’ under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act 1952.

The section of the Act deals with films if they are "against the interests of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence."

“It is defamatory of the complainant and its members and violated their constitutional rights. Promotes obscurantist and anti-scientific attitudes towards mobile phones, towers, and mobile services. Constitutes offenses under section 268(public nuisance), section 505(statements conducing to public mischief) and section 499(defamation of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC). Stands to prejudice the ongoing proceedings before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Bhupesh Sehgal and Ors v. DDA and Ors, Civil Appeal No. 2612/2016. It is against the public interest,” states the letter.

With a budget of more than Rs 500 crore, Director S Shankar's 2.0 is by far the most expensive Indian film till date. The movie stars Rajinikanth, Amy Jackson and Akshay Kumar in lead roles.