Earlier, Kamal Haasan had to cancel the launch of Vishwaroopam on Direct To Home (DTH) following opposition by theatre owners.
Chennai:
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to ban the screening of actor-producer Kamal Haasan's film Vishwaroopam in the state till further orders. Highly placed sources in the government told NDTV "district collectors have been orally instructed to pass appropriate orders and to make sure advance booking is stopped". The Rs 95 crore film, Kamal Haasan's most expensive ever, was slated for release this Friday on around 500 screens in Tamil Nadu alone.
The Tamil Nadu government's move comes after Muslim organisations expressed fear that the "film could disturb communal harmony" after watching a show, specially screened for them, a few days ago.
But Kamal Haasan had time and again denied allegations that the movie is against Muslims. Recently the actor told NDTV "in fact after watching Muslims would love the movie".
After the government's decision, the actor 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 sympathizer. 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 organization called Harmony India which worked for Hindu Muslim amity. 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 happening again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose.Now I will rely on law and logic to come to our support. This kind of cultural terrorism will have to stop."
Mr Haasan also thanked those who spoke up in support of him.
The run up to Vishwaroopam's launch remains chequered. First the actor had to abandon his dream premier launch of the movie on Direct To Home (DTH) following opposition by theatre owners that the move would affect their revenues, after which Kamal Haasan decided to launch the film on DTH a week after theatrical release.
However, sources in the industry say there could be more than what meets eye in this development. Some say the real issue could be over the tussle for acquiring television rights of the movie.
The Tamil Nadu government's move comes after Muslim organisations expressed fear that the "film could disturb communal harmony" after watching a show, specially screened for them, a few days ago.
But Kamal Haasan had time and again denied allegations that the movie is against Muslims. Recently the actor told NDTV "in fact after watching Muslims would love the movie".
After the government's decision, the actor 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 sympathizer. 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 organization called Harmony India which worked for Hindu Muslim amity. 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 happening again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose.Now I will rely on law and logic to come to our support. This kind of cultural terrorism will have to stop."
Mr Haasan also thanked those who spoke up in support of him.
The run up to Vishwaroopam's launch remains chequered. First the actor had to abandon his dream premier launch of the movie on Direct To Home (DTH) following opposition by theatre owners that the move would affect their revenues, after which Kamal Haasan decided to launch the film on DTH a week after theatrical release.
However, sources in the industry say there could be more than what meets eye in this development. Some say the real issue could be over the tussle for acquiring television rights of the movie.
