Port Klang, Malaysia:
Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan has dismissed allegations by Malaysian political parties and NGO's that excessive violence in Tamil movies is pushing ethnic Malaysian Indian youth towards crime.
The 56-year-old actor defended Kollywood movies by saying that Tamil films were merely "mirrors" which reflected incidents, occurrences and behavioural patterns of people and
society.
"Violent conduct is widely reported in the daily life of the people in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas. We, through the movies, attempt to highlight the social problems which already exist," the actor told national news agency Bernama here.
"It's like a mirror which reflects the plus and minus points of each one of us. It's up to them to correct themselves while looking at the mirror. It's as simple as that," he said.
Asked about the possibility of talented Malaysians being given opportunities to appear in Tamil movies, the actor said that he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak during his visit to Tamil Nadu early this year.
"We discussed the matter but, so far, no significant progress has been made. But I can give my word that talented Malaysians will definitely be featured in my movies," he said.
Haasan recently had a discussion with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to explore ways for both countries to cooperate in producing films in the near future.
The 56-year-old actor defended Kollywood movies by saying that Tamil films were merely "mirrors" which reflected incidents, occurrences and behavioural patterns of people and
society.
"Violent conduct is widely reported in the daily life of the people in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas. We, through the movies, attempt to highlight the social problems which already exist," the actor told national news agency Bernama here.
"It's like a mirror which reflects the plus and minus points of each one of us. It's up to them to correct themselves while looking at the mirror. It's as simple as that," he said.
Asked about the possibility of talented Malaysians being given opportunities to appear in Tamil movies, the actor said that he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak during his visit to Tamil Nadu early this year.
"We discussed the matter but, so far, no significant progress has been made. But I can give my word that talented Malaysians will definitely be featured in my movies," he said.
Haasan recently had a discussion with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to explore ways for both countries to cooperate in producing films in the near future.
