The release of Kamal Haasan’s controversial film Vishwaroopam, scheduled for Sunday in Karnataka, has been put on hold pending clearance from police in the wake of protests against its screening in some places of the state
The film was slated to be released in 40 theatres across the state, including 12 in the city. But its opening was delayed as Bangalore Police Commissioner Jyothiprakash Mirji wanted to view it before giving the nod for its screening, sole distributor of the multi-lingual movie in the state H D Gangaraju said.
Mr. Mirji watched the Rs 100 crore budget film at a special screening this afternoon but is yet to convey his decision, Gangaraju said.
The film, facing a two week-ban in Tamil Nadu due to its alleged anti-Muslim content, hit screens worldwide on January 25 but its release was deferred in Karnataka till today following a police suggestion in view of “Milad-un-Nabi” and Republic Day.
However, Mr. Mirji on Sunday expressed his wish to view the film before giving permission for its release in view of a group clash in Bhadravathi on Saturday over the screening of the film, Gangaraju, also a former President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said.
Tension gripped Bhadravathi town in Shimoga district when two groups clashed over the screening of the film, prompting police to use canes to disperse them.
The district administration had imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC for 48 hours in the town.
Keywords: Vishwaroopam release, Karnataka, Kamal Haasan, Muslim group protests
If Muslim community act like this listening to some conservative leaders without thinking by their own, just believing what they say and taking to streets for no reason, they are going to be more alienated from rest of the world, like they are already perceived. How can they protest on a movie which they haven't even seen it and claim to ban it? I don't understand.
I cannot understand the rationale behind the law enforcing authorities themselves want to review Viahwaroopam of kamal starer after it was statutorily released by the sensor board of India.Disrespecting the other authority is not good for India
Where is the rule of law? Where is the freedom of speech? And what is the use of Film Review Board and its certification process
Malaysia is a Muslim Country and they don't see any issues or objections to screen this movie. No issues in USA - its a democratic and open society!
This act of minority appeasement and holding rest of the country/folks ransom must stop. These fanatics must pay financial damages with interest to the victims; make them liable to their acts - Period!
Seems like government has lost control over the country and individuals
are deciding about whether a movie should be released or not. If we go
on like this we will reach a day where constitution will be modified at
the will of individual organization rather in the parliament.
Its atrocious!..actrocious becoz the Police Commissioner watched the movie for free :)..
If it is about Al Qaeda, which is an Arab outfit, Indian Muslims should
not bother.
Atrocious....everyone started demanding special screenings....Not a good
sign.
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