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Madras HC stays release of Vishwaroopam till Jan 28
Declining to stay a two-week ban imposed by the Tamil Nadu govt on the screening of 'Vishwaroopam', the Madras HC today restricted the film's release till Jan 28. A judge will see the movie on Jan 26 and decided on its fate. Vishwaroopam banned for 15 days
Declining to stay a two-week ban imposed by the Tamil Nadu government on the screening of "Vishwaroopam", the Madras high court on Thursday restricted the film's release till January 28. A judge will see the movie on January 26 and decided on its fate.
Made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, "Vishwaroopam", which deals about the adversities of war, is produced and directed by Kamal Haasan who has also acted in it. It was scheduled to release Friday, but the government imposed curbs following protest from Muslim groups.
"The final verdict on the release of 'Vishwaroopam' will be announced on Jan 28. Justice K. Venkatraman will watch the film on Jan 26 and will deliver final verdict on Jan 28," a lawyer said.
The Tamil and Telugu versions were slated for a Friday release, while the Hindi version, titled "Vishwaroop", is scheduled to come out Feb 1.
Earlier on the day, the actor-filmmaker moved the high court after the Tamil Nadu government stalled the screening of his fim Vishwaroopam for fifteen days.
The star said that he is "apalled how my film is construed against Muslim brothers".
He said that the circumstances leading to the ban were akin to cultural terrorism and added he was a victim of celebrity bashing.
"I am not only hurt by these accusations of denigrating a community but my sensibilities are truly insulted.
"I have been ruthlessly used as a vehicle by small groups who seek political profile. Icon bashing is a great way to be noticed when you are not one yourself. It is happenning again and again," Kamal Haasan said.
He added that he would "now rely on law and logic to come to our support. This kind of cultural terrorism will have to stop."
Expressing anguish over the developments he said, "I am appalled at how my film is construed to be against my Muslim brothers."
"My statements in favour of that community have marked me as a sympathiser. I have always gone beyond the call of my duty as an actor to voice my opinion in favour of what was humane and civil. I have been part of an organisation called Harmony India which works for Hindu Muslim amity," he said to remind people of his secular credentials.
