Controversial movie adaptation The Da Vinci Code has been approved by censors in India, despite a string of protests from Christians seeking to have the Tom Hanks-starring film banned.

THE stars of The Da Vinci Code put on brave smiles as they graced the red carpet last night hours after the year’s most eagerly-awaited movie received stinging reviews.

Chinese viewers today became the first in the world to see The Da Vinci Code movie, as the controversial tale that challenges a basic premise of Christianity began its global rollout to protests and bad reviews.

Christian groups as far away as South Korea, Thailand and India protested against the movie The Da Vinci Code ahead of tomorrow’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.