Chennai:
The suspense over the future of Kamal Haasan's mega-budget thriller,
Vishwaroopam, could end this afternoon. The Madras High Court is likely to decide whether the 95-crore film can release in theatres in Tamil Nadu, where the government is trying to ban the movie on the grounds that its portrayal of Muslims is offensive.
Hours before the court hearing, Kamal Haasan, who stars in the 95-crore film which he has also directed and produced, said the government's attempts to block the movie appeared to be part of " a political game."
"It appears Tamil Nadu wants me out," he said, "but I will always remain Tamil and an Indian."
(Watch)Suggesting that the verdict on his film is a crucible of India's secularism, he said, "If MF Husain can do it, Kamal Haasan will do it...I am fed up. I am an artiste. If there is no secular state in India, I would go overseas."
"But I will always make Tamil films. It's the only thing I am good at," he joked, offering a brief moment of levity at the press conference.
Last night, a judge from the Madras High Court who reviewed the film revoked the two-week ban imposed by the government, which promptly filed an appeal against the verdict.
(Read)Theatre owners today were reluctant to start showing the movie given that it has more legal hurdles to clear.
Today, Kamal Haasan spoke of his financial vulnerability, sharing that his house and other properties have been pledged to a money-lender. A film and its finances are not more important than national unity , he said, while asseverating that
Vishwaroopam does not indulge in negative stereotypes of Muslims.
The controversy over the film has infected neighbouring states. Screenings in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have competed with protests outside theatres, but abroad,
Vishwaroopam has been a runaway hit.
Several actors like Rajinikanth have backed Kamal Haasan; the censor board has said the attempt to ban his movie violates the actor's right to freedom of expression.