The makers of an Iranian box-office hit seen as satirising the religious establishment have decided to withdraw the film. The producers of Marmoulak (The Lizard) say the award-winning film will be withdrawn by next Friday, following pressure from the authorities. The film had been playing to packed cinemas since 21 April - but attracted criticism from the conservative clergy. It is about a convicted criminal who disguises himself as a mullah. .... But hardliners have found it offensive. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of the powerful Guardian Council, said the film was a "bad influence".
The audience lapped up the comedy, as the film’s lead character - Reza the Lizard - revels in the privileges and power his clerical robes bring him. Eventually he captivates his congregation’s imagination by his simplicity and brings worshippers flocking back to the mosques. |