Freedom of expression was intact', says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan's Tamil movie Vishwaroopam was released today in theatres across Tamil Nadu sending his fans into a delirious mood after a fortnight-long suspense as the actor insisted his freedom of expression was 'intact' with only a few scenes muted.

"Thank you India. Thank You Tamil Nadu. See to it that artistes like me don't get into trouble again," said a hugely-relieved actor as the film opened to packed houses with his fans bursting crackers and pouring milk over his cut-outs.

Today's release capped a two-week long drama with many a twist and turn that saw opposition by theatre owners over the actor's plan to release it on DTH platform, protests by Muslim outfits that led to a two-week ban by Tamil Nadu government, court battle and threat of self-exile by the actor.

As the ban evoked national outcry, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa stepped in, paving the way for its release. Actor agreed to mute scenes that Muslim outfits found offensive in the government brokered meeting.

Haasan wished Jayalalithaa, who recently said she no longer watched movies, would break "her vow" for his sake as he wanted to screen the movie for his "peer and senior" in the Tamil film industry.

"I like her to see the film. Now she is a Chief Minister. But she is (also) a peer and senior. I very much like her to watch my film and hope she breaks her vow of not watching movies," a smiling Haasan told reporters.

The actor insisted that his freedom of expression was 'intact' since only a few scenes had been muted.

‘Vishwaroopam’ to be released in Tamil Nadu on February 7

A day after the two-week ban was revoked on the controversial film “Vishwaroopam”, Kamal Haasan on Monday, announced that his film will hit across the theatres in Tamil Nadu on February 7.

“The film will release all over Tamil Nadu on February 7,” said Kamal in a statement.

Following the tripartite talks on February 2 in the presence of Home Secretary R. Rajagopal, Mr. Haasan had agreed to edit a few scenes from the film, thus bringing to an end the protests by some Muslim organisations.

The Rs. 95-crore espionage thriller was set for release in Tamil and Telugu on January 25, but a day before the release the Tamil Nadu government imposed a two-week ban fearing protests by Muslim groups.

Written, produced and directed by Mr. Haasan, who also plays the title role, “Vishwaroopam” also features Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose, Shekhar Kapur and Jaideep Ahlawat.

The film’s Hindi version “Vishwaroop” was released on February 1 across the country and has raked Rs.7.56 crore in its opening weekend.

Keywords: Vishwaroopam ban, Tamil Nadu government ban, tripartite talks, Muslim body protests, Muslim organisations

‘Vishwaroopam’: Kamal Haasan reaches truce with Muslim community

Chennai: Kamal Haasan has agreed to edit certain objectionable portions from his film ‘Vishwaroopam’ and has said that the film is in no way Anti-Indian Muslims. 

Emphasising on the fact that the film is Pro-Indian Muslims and that he does believe that he is a victim of somebody’s confusion over what he is trying to convey through his film.

The actor is believed to have held a meeting with Muslim leaders and the two parties have mutually arrived at a consensus.

The actor has said that it is now the government and the Police’s duty to maintain law and order pertaining to the violence triggered because of the film.