Politicians want ban on 'Viswaroopam' lifted

The nation’s Indian leaders have come together to show their support to Tamil Nadu’s legendary actor Kamal Haasan and his suspended movie ‘Viswaroopam’ by urging the Home Ministry here to lift a ban on the movie.

The call came after the controversial movie, which was banned in Tamil Nadu, was given the green light to be screened to the public by the Chennai High Court on Wednesday.

The Film Censorship Board of Malaysia (Finas) had initially approved 'Viswaroopam' for public viewing and Lotus Fivestar AV started screening the movie on January 24.

The movie 'Viswaroopam' is banned in Malaysia

A suspension, however, came in place a day after the controversial movie was released here following a directive from the Home Ministry.

MIC information chief and Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan said the Home Ministry should reconsider the suspension on the movie. “The Chennai High Court has lifted the ban and we should also follow suit. The movie was suspended here because of complaints by some quarters who claim the movie is anti-Muslim," said Kamalanathan.

“Don’t be too sensitive. Don’t base anything on hearsay. The movie was scrutinised by Finas. The board is very good in their work. If it is anti-religious they would have been able to spot it before allowing it to be screened.

KAMALANATHAN: Let the viewers be the judge

“I hope the Home Ministry will release the movie and allow the viewers to be the judge,” Kamalanathan added.

MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said one has to look at a movie as merely a movie and not go overboard by believing it.

T. Mohan

MOHAN: The Home Ministry should lift the ban

“It is just a movie. Why get all worked up about it? The censorship board has already approved it. I don’t see a problem in it.

“I urge the Home Ministry to release the movie in theaters,” Mohan added.

DAP vice-chairman M. Kulasegaran also wants the Home Ministry to review its suspension on the movie.

“The Indian court has lifted the ban. In the same spirit, we should follow suit," Kulasegaran said.

“As far as I know, Kamal Haasan never made any anti-religious movie. Movies should never be taken personally."

KULASEGARAN: Movies should never be taken personally

On January 23, the Tamil Nadu government, headed by Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, banned 'Vishwaroopam' 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 well-known actor received another blow when the Tamil Nadu government today filed an appeal against the verdict.

In an emotional press conference in Chennai, Kamal Haasan did not rule out the possibility of leaving Tamil Nadu.

“MF Husain had done it (left the state), I may have to do it. But I will always remain an Indian," Kamal Haasan said.

The movie has been banned in Singapore too on grounds of it being ‘insensitive to Muslims.’

Attempts to get comments from the Home Ministry was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, those who have watched the movie had this to say:

M. Surenthiran, 29, project engineer

"The movie depicts the crisis that is ongoing in Afganistan and America. They are just screening what is happening over there. If indeed films like this should not be allowed, then films like the Da Vinci Code should also not be allowed because it portrays Christianity.”

K. Suresh Kumar, 29, IT support assistant

“The movie is a historic documentary marvel. It shows the conflict between Afganistan and America. I think one should watch the movie with an open mind. The ban on the movie should be lifted so that everybody can watch it. If not for the movie, at least for the beautiful actress."

S. Vishalene, 24, student

"The movie to me does not potray the terrorist as good or bad. It potrays them as people who do not know any better. You can't tell a story about Al-Qaeda without featuring terrorists can you?"