Chennai:
Talks seeking an end to the ban on actor Kamal Haasan's film Vishwaroopam in Tamil Nadu between makers of the movie and protesting groups have been postponed till Saturday. Through the day, Kamal Haasan's brother met with the government and leaders of Muslim groups whose objections to the film had provoked a two-week ban.
Kamal Haasan is in Mumbai for the release of the Hindi version of the 95-crore thriller.
His brother, Chandra, who has co-produced Vishwaroopam, said that after a first round of consultations this morning, he had been asked by protesting groups to make cuts adding upto nine minutes. "I am not technically or morally competent" he said, adding that the decision will be made by Kamal Haasan after he returns to Chennai, most likely on Saturday. A second round of negotiations were held on Friday evening. (
Read Vishwaroopam's review)
The actor told NDTV on Thursday, "I don't think the film will have to be chopped. I will talk to my Muslim brothers."
(Vishwaroopam doesn't need cuts: Kamal Haasan to NDTV) The mediation session was offered on Thursday by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who stridently defended the ban, arguing that it was necessary to maintain law and order and to give both sides time to "cool down and come to an agreement."
(Kamal Haasan's film could release soon, Jayalalithaa explains how) Earlier this week, the actor, who has also directed and produced the film, met with Muslim leaders and agreed to delete a list of scenes and words that were identified as contentious. His production company, Raj Kamal Films International, asked the government to formalise a settlement.