Home Ministry lifts ban on Vishwaroopam

The Home Ministry has finally allowed the screening of the controversial Tamil film “Vishwaroopam”, effective today.

Film Censorship Board chairman (LPF) Raja Azahar Raja Abdul Manap said that the decision to allow the screening of Kamal Haasan's movie was made after consultation with various groups, including the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

“Jakim has through its director agreed for the Home Ministry to allow the film to be re-screened after being satisfied with the cuts made by LPF,” said Raja Azahar, stressing that the distributor must strictly adhere to the ruling.

“The withdrawal of the order to suspend the screening is effective today,” he said.

Detailing the sequence of events, Raja Azahar said the film was first screened in several countries in Jan 25, but sparked controversy due to allegation of scenes that insulted Islam.

There was also protests in several states in Tamil Nadu and Madras after the High Court issued an order to stop the film from being screened.

“(In Malaysia), the Home Ministry issued the order to suspend the screening on Jan 25 for the purpose of reviewing after receiving complaints from Islamic NGOs representing Indian Muslims,” he said.

The Home Ministry had also received letters from Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA) and Federation of Malaysian Indian Muslim Association (PERMIM) urging the board to review the film and remove sensitive parts unsuitable for public viewing.

“Following that, the Home Ministry formed a special panel consisting of LPF and Jakim to review the film via various angles such as religion and security,” said Raja Azahar, adding that two discussion sessions were held.

Following the suspension in Malaysia, several politicians urged the authorities to lift the ban on the movie.

Kamal Haasan later announced that Vishwaroopam, which was originally planned to be released in Tamil Nadu on January 11, will finally be release in theatres across the Indian state on February 7.