Kamal Haasan's big-budget thriller Vishwaroopam will finally release in Tamil Nadu, the MadrasHigh Court ruled on Tuesday, rescinding a ban imposed on the movie last week by the state
government.
In court on Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu government defended the ban it ordered just days before the
film's scheduled release, over-ruling the clearance granted to the 95-crore film given by the
country's censor board. The state's Advocate General Navaneedakrishnan described that sanction
as "a scam" and said it appeared to have been granted "without application of the mind."
Kamal Haasan's lawyer argued that the ban is unconstitutional, which was seconded unequivocally
by Leela Samson, who heads the Central Board for Film Certification"It is absolutely unacceptable.
We have certified hundreds and thousands of films...only with Vishwaroopam, you find it has not
been done with due diligence? This is an infringement on freedom of expression," she said.
The government introduced the ban citing the need to protect communal harmony after Muslim
groups said the film's portrayal of the community is offensive. Before going to court, Kamal
Haasan, who stars in the film which he has also directed and produced, described the
government's intervention as "cultural terrorism" and said Vishwaroopam is "one of the most
Muslim-friendly films in recent times."
The judge hearing the case had reviewed the film over the weekend.
The controversy engulfing the film had spilled over to neighbouring states, with protests being held
outside cinemas where it was showing. In Karnataka, the film was released today; cinema owners
said the police had offered protection, if needed.