By Michael Gonsalves
INDIA – A Catholic archbishop in India has called on Christians and people of other faiths to watch an American film depicting Jesus’ life and suffering, expected to hit Indian screens on Maundy Thursday, Apr 17.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, based in the southern Karnataka state capital, said the film The Chosen: The Last Supper conveys “a deep message” for all.
“The Last Supper is a decisive, dramatic moment in the life of Jesus, and I believe it holds deep meaning for everyone — whether you have loved, suffered, or worse, been betrayed,” Machado told UCA News on Apr 10.
He said that while many recognize Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous Last Supper painting, few understand the depth of the event it represents.
“Beyond the impressive artwork, the Last Supper is a spiritual, historical, and mystical moment that Jesus himself has experienced and transformed millions of people the world over,” the prelate said.
“I will be going to watch this epic movie on the big screen, and I invite everyone to join in this experience,” he said.
Created, directed and produced by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, the film has premiered in the Vatican, the US, Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines, said Asish Nag, the film’s country manager for India.
“We are now all set for its release across all metros and cities in India in the Holy Week,” Nag told UCA News.
He said the film features one of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments in biblical history, making it a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience for audiences worldwide.
“Fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and the anticipation surrounding how The Chosen will portray Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples is gaining excitement globally,” Nag said, adding anyone can watch this “biggest historical touching drama with a potential to change one’s heart forever”.
The theatrical release of The Last Supper will allow audiences to share this decisive moment on the big screen, making it more than just a show — it’s a worldwide movement, he noted.
“The Chosen is one of the most watched series in the world, with over 280 million viewers, 900 million views of individual episodes , and more than 17 million followers on social media,” Vatican News reported on Apr 3.
The Vatican Film Library hosted a special screening of the film on Apr 3, the report said. Monsignor Lucio Adrian Ruiz, secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, and actress Elizabeth Tabish (who plays Mary Magdalene) were in attendance.
The Chosen is a five-part web series on the real-life stories of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the Bible, which are turned into movies for screening in theaters and on TV worldwide by Jenkins.
Season 5 is titled The Last Supper. – UCA News
