Director Sudipto Chattopadhyay is worried that his film, Pankh, which deals with gender issues and stars Bipasha Basu and newcomer Maradona in lead roles, might raise objections from the Christian community because it has some graphic images depicting the crucifixion of Christ.

The film has already got an ‘A’ certificate from the Censor Board. In a weird coincidence, Pankh opens on Good Friday, a holy day on the Christian calendar.

The first-time director said, “I want to make it clear that the intention was not to cause hurt or trauma to any religious group or sect. The crucifixion scene is something that happens in the mind of the protagonist Jerry (Maradona). It’s a surreal concept that shows the suffering he went through, throughout his childhood. Jerry is a devout Christian and his mind draws parallels between his pain and the pain Christ went through.”

There is also a scene with Maradona carrying the cross on his shoulder, like Jesus did before he was crucified. Another scene shows Bipasha reciting the Lord’s Prayer in a graveyard. “Bipasha is more like a persona; she’s a figment of Jerry’s imagination and doesn’t exist.” 

He concludes, “I think the Christian community is highly tolerant. The visuals in the film are not my religious views or ideology, but my protagonist.” Pankh will be released on April 2.