Rajinikanth's '2.0': Mobile operators don't like it, want film certificate revoked

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has filed a complaint against the makers of Rajinikanth starrer '2.0'  and has demanded that the censor board revokes its certification for the film. 

In a letter of complaint addressed to the censor board and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Association has alleged that director Shankar's film is promoting 'anti-scientific attitude. 

'2.0' is based on the theme of how cellphones and radiation is not just affecting human beings but also the environment at large including birds and animals. 

The COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has alleged that the promotional videos are based on the theme that electromagnetic field emissions from mobile phones and towers are harmful to living creatures and the environment, including birds and human beings.

Such a depiction would create unfounded fear and mass paranoia by spreading misinformation about the adverse impact of mobile towers and mobile phones, the grouping said in a statement.

The content of the movie is "defamatory to COAI and its members, endangers public order, presents anti-scientific attitudes, constitutes offences including under various sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and is in violation of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952," it added.

The association has also requested CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) to revoke the certificate issued for the teaser, trailer, promotional videos and the film with immediate effect.  

The complaint states that the screening of the film should be stalled until their complaint is taken into cognisance and a resolution is determined.

'2.0' hits theatres in multiple languages across the country from Thursday onwards. The futuristic sci-fi has been witnessing enormous advance booking since Tuesday- when cinema halls started advance booking for the film. In many areas in the south, where Rajini's film release days are declared as unofficial holiday, tickets have been sold out for the first two days. 

 '2.0' is reportedly releasing in over 10,000 screens across the world.