Hollywood movie portrays Jesus visiting India; Church protests

Hollywood's production on Jesus Christ showing him visiting the Indian subcontinent during his "missing years", may end up in creating confusion and controversy, says Kerala's Catholic church which cautioned the movie "Aquarian Gospel" to substantiate its claim with historical proof.

"There is no historic proof to show Jesus came to India and the Church has apprehensions that such portrayal could create confusion," Church spokesman Father Paul Thelekat said.

The movie portrays Jesus as a wandering mystic who travelled across India, living in Buddhist monasteries and speaking out against the iniquities of the country's caste system. They claim to have unraveled the life of Jesus between the ages of 13 and 30, a period untouched by the recognised gospels.

"I have personally investigated many of these claims and they remain what they first seem: fiction," said John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Union which represents 16 million churchgoers. "I am sure it will make money but I do not think it will displace thousands of years of biblical thought."

The $20m movie will be shot using actors and high computer animation which will follow the travels of Yeshua, believed to be the name for Jesus in Aramaic, from the Middle East to India.

"The Bible devotes just seven words to the most formative years of Yeshua's life saying: 'The boy grew in wisdom and stature'. The film will follow Christ's journey to the east where he encounters other traditions, and discovers the principles that are the bedrock of all the world's great religions," said Drew Heriot, the film's director.

The story depicts Jesus purported journeys from Israel to India, Tibet, Persia, Greece and Egypt during which he encounters people of all creed, class and faith.

"The Church is not against artistic and imaginative productions which are welcome provided it is true to the spirit of Jesus Christ and does not distort historical facts," added Fr Paul Thelekat.