Decision on 'Viswaroopam' out this week

A decision on whether the controversial Tamil movie 'Viswaroopam' would be aired in Malaysian cinemas will be made by this week.

The controversoal movie which was banned in Malaysia a day after its release on Jan 24, is presently being reviewed by the National Film Censorship Board and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

The Censorship Board's control and enforcement secretary Razak Drahman said the department had received many letters and emails from Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who requested the film be reviewed claiming it was 'insensitive to Muslims.

"This is why we need to review the movie again and see if these claims are true before we make a decision," Razak said.

When asked why the movie was initially released for public screening on Jan 24 and stopped a day later Razak said that it was because the department found “no problems” with the movie.

"The officers involved in scrutinising the film earlier found it to be fine for public viewing. However, after we received objections from the public and considering it involved sensitive issues involving religion and race, the film was suspended."

On January 23, the Tamil Nadu government banned 'Viswaroopam' from screening in the state for 15 days when 25 Muslim organisations objected the movie.

A day later, the Chennai High Court restricted the film’s release till Jan 28.

On Tuesday, the High Court lifted the ban on the movie but it was short lived as the Tamil Nadu government immediately filed an appeal against the decision.

"The officers involved in scrutinising the film during our earlier preview found it to be fine for public viewing. However, after we received objections from the public and considering sensitivity issues involving religion and race, the film was suspended to be reviewed further.”

The controversy also drew some comments from the nation’s Indian leaders in the hope that the film itself is released to public screenings.

On January 23, the Tamil Nadu government banned 'Viswaroopam' from screening in the state for 15 days when 25 Muslim organisations objected the movie.

A day later, the Chennai High Court restricted the film’s release till Jan 28.

On Tuesday, the High Court lifted the ban after a day-long hearing. However, the Tamil Nadu government immediately filed an appeal against the verdict.

Nevertheless, several politicians insisted that the suspension be lifted as the movie did not ridicule any race or religion.