The eagerly awaited film "The Da Vinci Code" is set for a Friday release in India with its original disclaimer that it was a work of fiction and not based on fact.

The Indian Censor Board, which has certified the film as "Adults only", had suggested changes in the text of the disclaimer carried at the beginning of the film but distributor Sony Pictures did not agree to this.

Sony then entered into talks with the government on this issue and it was agreed that the original disclaimer would be retained, trade sources said.

The film has been criticised by some Christian groups, who objected to the suggestion that Jesus Christ was married with Mary Magdalene.

Following this, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had put its release on hold, even though the Censor Board had cleared it. It was earlier scheduled for release May 19.

Dasmunsi then threw the ball back in the Censor Board court, which suggested a modified disclaimer.

Meanwhile, "The Da Vinci Code" has opened to a worldwide weekend box office taking of $224 million, making it the second biggest worldwide opening for any film, a Sony statement said.

"Star Wars Episode III" opened to $253 million globally one year ago.

"The Da Vinci Code" opened on 12,000 screens internationally, the statement said.