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Christaayan was directed by a Society of the Divine Word priest, Father Geo George Kannanayil — an experienced moviemaker — but 80 per cent of the cast are not Christian. Ankit Sharma, the actor who plays Jesus, is a Hindu.

"In the movie, Jesus is concerned about the environment, defends the oppressed and gives lessons in optimism," said Father Jose Arayathel, who plays the apostle Andrew.

"Being a part of the movie has renewed my commitment to mission," he explained, "because it focuses on the social, political and economic aspects that characterise the lives of the most marginalised groups of society, most notably women, youth and children."

Set in India, the film was shot over a seven-year period in several states, with the participation of more than 200 actors. For many — men and women religious, scientists and professors, policemen and students — it was their first time in front of the camera.

The film's website describes the production as "The story of our Jesus, painted musically with Eastern socio-cultural hues and shades".

It says Jesus "practised and preached interiority and simplicity of life and prayer" and this "is also the soul of Indian spirituality".

Christaayan also strikes a blow for the equality of women.

"Most social structures keep women unequal to men with various convenient justifications," the website says. "In India, she is, ‘the embodiment of all human Goodness' . . . . But still SHE needs EMPOWERMENT, SHE needs EMANCIPATION, SHE needs more PARTICIPATION in decision-making.

"In Christaayan, Mother Mary is depicted as a model of womanhood liberated."

In a favourable L'Osservatore Romano article, Isabella Farinelli describes Christaayan as "a unique ‘first': a film which re-elaborates an ancient subject, taking shape without forcing in that mechanism which is as clearly codified as it is versatile and multiform, which is Indian cinema."

Sources:

AsiaNews

L'Osservatore Romano

Christaayan

Image: Christaayan