Kamal Haasan’s film Vishwaroopam (Vishwaroop in Hindi), which has kicked up controversy across the country, is set to hit screens across Maharashtra on Friday, with police promising protection at theatres.
Haasan, who was in Mumbai on Thursday, said he was sure the film will be accepted without any trouble. “The entire episode has been insulting not only to me but even the nation,” said Haasan.

The Tamil movie was banned in several states, including his hometown Tamil Nadu, after protests from sections of Muslims for scenes in the movie that they claimed hurt religious sentiments.

“This is politics, not religion. The ‘good’ Muslims in the film are Indians, and the ‘bad’ ones are the terrorists,” said Haasan.

The 58-year-old actor had decided to move SC after the Madras high court stayed the release of the film in the state, but did not do it after Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha intervened.

“I thank her (Jayalalitha) for helping us, and I don’t see the need to move SC,” he said.

Haasan said he would leave the country, if the case went on. “I am hurt, and if this happens again, I will leave the country,” he said, adding that he got the support of many Muslims.

Bollywood actors including Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar came out in support of Haasan, who said he had lost Rs60 crore due to the delay in the film’s release.