(Image source: Sony Pictures)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

“The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo’s” graphic rape scene had been buzzed about in the U.S. long before its release, but now it’s an issue in India. The country has deemed the American movie “unsuitable” for Indian audiences.

Director David Fincher’s movie version of the hit novel was set to debut in India February 10th, but India’s Central Board of Film Certification wanted several scenes cut -- including a sex scene between actress Rooney Mara and actor Daniel Craig that shows frontal nudity, a sexual scene between Mara and another female character and a graphic rape scene. 

Digital Spy reports Fincher would not approve the cuts, and has a just-released statement from the Mumbai-based branch of Sony Pictures.

“Sony Pictures will not be releasing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in India. The Censor Board has judged the film unsuitable for public viewing in its unaltered form and, while we are committed to maintaining and protecting the vision of the director, we will, as always, respect the guidelines set by the Board.”

E! Online agrees with Fincher’s stance.

“Sounds like some key scenes in the movie to us. We definitely understand why Fincher wouldn't make those cuts.”

And CinemaBlend is glad to see the studio’s support.

“This is artistic integrity at its best. David Fincher made The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo the way that he meant it to be seen and it's great to hear that the studio has his back.”

But Gawker is less impressed.

“The statement … was a little too resigned for my tastes. … Where is your outrage, Sony Pictures India? While the standard practice in India is to simply blur out the naughty bits, Fincher was being asked to get rid of certain scenes entirely.”

Several outlets report there was high anticipation for the movie in India -- especially on the heels of Mara’s Oscar nomination for the role. But The Hindustan Times says even the poster was offensive to some.

“The film's official poster itself shows frontal nudity and is raising eyebrows in Malaysia and the Gulf countries also.”

And how will the decision affect the film’s worldwide box office take? The Huffington Post reports.

“...don't rally the troops for a telethon just yet; ‘Tattoo’ is closing in on $100 million domestically, and should [comfortably] sail past $200 million in global sales …”