Some journalists and delegates voiced voluminous dissent that the film only showed one side of the story, that of Hindu fundamentalism. Their cacophonous shouts became indecipherable babble.

After Dholakia tried hard to calm the crowds down (even as the rest of the journalists battled these naysayers), he had an unexpected ally. Om Puri walked into the auditorium, and took these fellows on.

"Did you see Tamas?" Puri asked, chastising the protesters. "This is not a situation where we talk about taking sides, but voices must be raised when injustice strikes. The State is a father figure, and when it participates in such unforgivable acts of violence, we must speak out."

The protests continued and the actor's baritone kept getting louder. "Do you know why the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] lost?" Puri questioned. "If you are journalists, and don't like the film, write that!"