The Madras High Court late on Tuesday night stayed the Tamil Nadu government’s ban on the screening of actor-director Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam, paving the way for the film’s release in the State.
Justice K. Venkataraman passed the interim order after 10 p.m. following marathon arguments for over six hours on the validity of the two-week ban.
As soon as the order was pronounced, Additional Advocate-General P.H. Arvindh Pandian wanted the judge to suspend his own order until Wednesday morning. However, he declined the request.
Advocate-General A. Navaneethakrishnan and Mr. Pandian rushed to the residence of Acting Chief Justice Elipe Dharma Rao in a midnight effort to get the order suspended. Later, the AG told reporters that Mr. Justice Dharma Rao had permitted them to mention the matter on Wednesday on moving an appeal before a Division Bench.
At the time of going to press, there was no official word from the producers or theatre-owners on when the film would be released.
Mr. Justice Venkataraman made it clear that the interim order was passed considering the prima facie case established by the petitioners; but, after the counter-affidavit was filed by the respondents, the matter would be decided on its merits in accordance with law. Any expression made in the order should not be viewed as a final decision taken on the grounds raised by the petitioners or the contentions made by the respondents.
The judge said the order under Section 144 Cr.P.C. came to be passed in view of the representation given by several Muslim organisations. Their remedy was to approach the authority named under the Cinematograph Act. His order would not be a stumbling block to their approaching the authority.
Common decision
“No doubt, for maintaining law and order, the authority competent is entitled to pass an order under Sec. 144 of Cr.PC, but that does not mean that a section of society can curtail the fundamental rights of a citizen,” the judge said. One more aspect to be considered was that all district magistrates/Collectors had taken a common decision and passed orders, which appeared to be strange.
The judge said he was of the considered view that the order under Sec.144 was liable to be kept in abeyance for the present. Therefore, there shall be an order of interim stay of the order. There shall be an order of interim injunction restraining the authorities from interfering with the petitioner’s rights in releasing the film in Tamil language.
The film was originally slated for release on January 25.
Keywords: Kollywood, Tamil cinema, Madras High Court, Vishwaroopam, Kamal Haasan
It is time for Kamal show his aggression. He is nothing to loose now. He should immediately sue this government & the people disrupting the release and recover the loss incurred.
This government feels that he is a soft target to settle some ploitical scores. I think it is time for Kamal to act.
We are with you Kamal.
To hound a person like Kamal, whose surname is named after a Muslim friend of kamal's father, by a muslim fringe group is the height of arrogance.First it was a political party objecting to Virumandi then named Sandiyar, now these fringe groups who want every star to show them their movies inorder to allow it a free run in the state.Virulent,pathetic and highly objectionable act by these senseless groups. I really hope Kamal leaves this state.If a man of his stature can face so much heat, I am really worried about the ordinary citizens of this state.
Any superfluous decision by the goverment that causes a private citizen undue worry and financial lose can be taken up in the court. In fact, Kamal Hassan - can sue the government for losses incurred. The govt must be taught a lesson that it cannot raise such reasons as minorities sentiments and such do whatever it pleases when the supreme court has themselves given specific judgement about bans affecting freedom of expression and ideas.
This is democracy at work. Poiliticians were right to take into consideration the feelings of some groups ( even though they are ill informed and minority) and the Judges had a duty to interpret the Law. Now the judges have delivered their verdict and both sides must now respecr Rule Of Law and move on.
Well done
The appeal of the TN govt on High Court's verdict suggests there is more
than what meets the eye to the ban. Also the arguments of TN Govt's
counsels on the eligibility of the certification board members who
certified the film etc.
I saw this movie on day of official release in Kerala. Its a spy thriller in which Kamal(fearured as an indian Muslim) fights Taliban in Afganistan/US with support of Indian and US spy agencies. There is no potrayal of Indian muslims in good or bad sense. Im sure those who took to streets asking of ban are those who did'nt see the movie (street march was even before release) but those jumping in the tunes of some who wants to use muslims to take milage.
A very good movie. Bollywood style fights and tight script. Must watch.
While many of us here rejoicing the court verdict, those who had grudge against the actor on the issue of selling the TV rights, have succeeded in taking revenge in the form of delay the release and financial losses. This is disturbing and presents a threat for anybody who wants to go against the system, do something innovative.
The only reason for government ban is to catch the votes of Muslims.
The Chief Minister attended the swearing in ceremony of Narendra Modi
which would have angered many Muslims. In order to convince the Muslims
that the Chief Minister is a Muslim-lover, and to garner the Muslims
votes in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, this drama has been
staged at the cost of the exchequer.
Earlier there were movies like "Payanam". Roja in tamil and hindi were released.In these movies also Muslim terrorists were depicted to hijack plane and kidnapped an officer to achieve their principles.Those movies ran full houses and absolutely there was no protest from any corner.It is really pathetic Kamal is put into such hardship
Saw the movie Viswaroopam - To all those who say the movie is not offensive to Muslims,
just imagine if the movie was taken by Shah Rukh Khan on LTTE - a huge number of Tamils
would have opposed it vehemently. Would all those opposing people agree to the
arguments - what is shown is only reality, he is not showing all Tamils to be terrorists, he
has freedom of speech to express his opinions, government has to provide security etc.
Even the politicians who are supporting to lift the ban on Viswaroopam would have opposed
a similar movie on LTTE. Pronouncing something to be offensive is not neccessarily based
on rationality but more on sensitivity. As a non-Muslim, I can only say it is not offensive to me
but cannot say it would not be offensive to everyone.
Great news, this is shame for all those who c muslims as votebanks and
not as brothers & friends
Forget the government for some time..
Will all the so called moderate Muslims supporting the ban in the so
called 'peaceful' way come and apologize for all this mess and pay
Kamal haasan for losses? They will not. Every muslim/religious person
who supported or asked questions on kamal's movie or started ranting
about limits of freedom of speech in various forums without watching
the movie is guilty. Off course no one will launch a case and no one
will come and arrest these folks for it. But they know they aided
these stupid protests. Shame on them.
As always all religious groups are touchy and like 'sensitive' babies
that need to be cuddled around by everyone else. And when the mistake
is theirs, they need to be forgiven.
It is about time we ignore these preachers of religion. At least
atheists would have had the gall to look at the movie before
commenting. Of course, when someone can believe god exists without
any proof, they would believe in anything.. Kamal is no exception.
I saw the movie. If anything Hindus and Brahmins in particular have every reason to feel offended. But then this is nothing new from the movie industry and kamal in particular....
One thing I can agree is that there is nothing against muslims, no aspersions cast. He has shown an Indian Muslim fighthing against Jihadi terrorists - perhaps that is objectionable to some, for whatever reason.... !!!
Wrong set of folks agitated, flexing their political muscle, while the real people who got offended, graciously let an opponent have his say. The government, in total vote bank appeasement has banned this. The HC also didn't cover itself in glory, by recommending Panchayat kind of talks and negotiation first...
All is well, that ends well that is about it...
Congrats to the Indian judicial system ! Justice seems to still prevail here, though the
tight are always put to immense hardships. Eager to watch the movie in theaters &
go for repeats to compensate Kamal's losses, thus encouraging him to continue
offering quality creations for the future. Let him not get cowed down by these testing
events.
Now it s clear. The government is not concerned about social harmony but
money (kamal's refusal to give TV rights).Unless and until EC bans
political parties from having TV channels these kind of things are bound
given the kind of leaders we have in this country
I'm happy with the Madras High Court verdict. I wish States and the
Central Governments also show courage to stand against the
disruptive forces.
This is great news for democracy, I am still wondering why TN govt is
taking very tough posture against Kamal, If the film really portrays
muslims in badlight then even Hindus will boycott this film, I had
number of muslim friends, To be true even they don't like the stand
taken by some groups and Tamil Nadu govt, one of them is a die hard
Kamal fan. Don't precipitate things.
It is just vote bank politics. Jayalalitha realise that her open love for Narendra Modi
has made the minorities angry and its going to reflect in the coming election. This is
just a face saving exercise from madam and now its clear that its her, not the muslim
organisations who oppose the release of Vishwaroopam. Ultimately its Kamal Hassan
who lost the battle. Its amazing that none of the film associations came to his help.
wake up people. It is a movie. It is business.
why we are giving so much importance to movies. Many actors get padma award, as if they have done something for the society.
How many voices of social workers, NGO`s, environmental organisation, people working against land, sand, political mafias get stifled by the state.
Give kamal his due as an actor par excellence, but no more.
The State Govt seems hell bent in stalling this movie from being released. It is very strange that the advocates representing Govt rush to the acting Chief Justice's house at midnight and wake him up to seek a ban on the film ! It appears their personal lives and careers depend on stopping this film from being released ! It is pertinent that Justice Venkatraman has also mentioned " all district magistrates/Collectors had taken a common decision and passed orders, which appeared to be strange". Obviously they were all guided by HIS MASTER'S VOICE (with due apologies to the Original HMV Company). One hopes the drama will stop at this stage. Vengence and hatred have never brought peace and happiness to anyone.
Many issues are there to raise voice against in this society, I'm
wondering why people are so much interested in bring up Hindu-Muslim
issue in everything even though we are living together without any
conflicts. We welcome all your good movies Kamal Sir! Looking forward to
watch VISHWAROOPAM. Indians are living in quite large number in Shanghai
if possible screen the movie here! :)
Is this really necessary when so many important issues (corruption etc) are prevalent?
Vishwaroopam is not made for charity or something. It is purely a business venture. Why common man who have so many struggles raising to support this while play cool for lack of amenities. This country will never develop.
For how many cases govt knocked the door of Chief Justice of High
Court's Residence during midnight???.There are so many important issues
to address.This Govt is interested only in taking personal revenge.
As expected making a huge fuss about nothing at all in particular. Much needed hype has been generated now for the movie. Hope it can match up to its potential.
I saw the movie.The Great Actor Kamalhassan done wonderful job as an actor and the director. Good judgement from high court. TN chief Minister keeping quite since the issues started so which confirmed they are behind the issue.
who cares if the movie is delayed.
This delay is in the best interests of the producer
in gaining the publicity they want.
The ban is a handiwork of the regime, that too for petty reasons. it shows that Indian
democracy is limited in a sense. In my view judge should not have entertained this case.
Released all over in Australia, seen it. It is an attempt to take the Indian Film Industry to next level. If you just replace Kamal with George Clooney or Tom Cruise (if at all they can do the Kathak role), this is just an Holywood Film at par, better than some of their movies. Opposing such movies shows we are still maturing democracy, we cannot take alternate views and usually we react less rationally more emotionally as a society. Irrespective whatever happens to this saga, Kamal remains and will remain as a beacon of Indian Film Industry who pioneered innovation as an actor, director and a technician. As a person, salute him, being a real life hero, for attempting innovation and change in a very hostile environment, hats off!! His work will be appreciated may be not by the current generation, but certainly future generation will, for the foundation he has laid for them.
Now that the court has given permission for release of the film
Viswaroopam in TN, let not the few so called intellectuals twists the
facts to their will and blackmail the TN Govt to go for appeal thereby
further delay release of the film -
a citizen's victory against the mighty machinery of the Govt., renowned
for its ulterior motives, whosoever is in power. May this success
surpass all other successes for Kamal and propel "Vishwaroopam 2". May
all the deviously inclined brethren amongst us refrain from further
draining his pockets by encouraging piracy in any form.
Why the government is so adamant to stall the scrrening of this film?
Because Kamal refused to give the broadcasting rights to Jaya TV owned
by the CM. Had he given the film would have released on the scheduled
date. To make him pay for it Govt advocates are losing their sleep.
This is clear example of how religion and govt. machinery is blatantly
misused by the present regime.
Sad plight of affairs, wasting public money and making a mockery out of our Judicial System. Poor administration.
It is obnoxious to see that the Government is pursuing this case by knocking at the
CJ's door at midnight especially given that there is no prima facie case for the
Government. It is incompetent to maintain law and order and is fearing for some
random groups to create chaos. It is very clear that the State has some vendetta
against Kamal, one of which may be not giving Jaya TV the film rights! Aren't there
any better problems to solve for the Government than to pursue this false case?
Hopefully all can be resolved without any hard feelings.If in the
event,Kamal does gain's a favourable verdict,the other party feels their
community had been potrayed in "bad light",the problem will come back to
"haunt" kamal in one way or another.There are people who are supporting
kamal,there are also people who are strongly against it.Hopefully,these
movie would not trigger any law and order problems or any form of tragic
incidents.
The ban did raise a few eyebrows because it appeared that the government had an axe to grind and had some grouse against the actor. However the court has put things in the right perspective and has called the bluff of the state government. Atleast now people will get to see the film and will be in a position to judge for themselves whether the ban was warranted in the first place.
Clearly shows the Jayalalitha Government has something in the background against Kamalhassan. Perhaps if Kamalhassan gives the satellite rights to Jaya TV this will be resolved quickly?
This is really an ill advised move of the Tamilnadu government to ban screening of Vishwaroopam movie in theaters. Here afterwards every religious group may want each movie to be viewed by them before they allow screening of the movie in theaters. Definitely the pandora's box has been opened.
I have a strange feeling that there is some business decision / fall-off
which triggered the govt. to act against the producers of this movie.
Similar to what was happening during the previous govt. when they use to
harrass the producers and do all dirty tricks not to release the movie
if they don't get the distribution rights. Maybe, Jaya TV was trying to
get the distribution rights and the fall out is this ban.
Justice and Court are the only hope in this Country where Politicians make Mockery of Freedom of Expression!!! Everyone knows the Class of Kamal Hassan. He is Symbol of Indian Cinema who takes it to top level on par with Hollywood. He had been an athiest and had registered his protest whenever Muslims Suffer. The Letter Pad Parties with Religious Identity is trying to Malign the Fame of Kamal Hassan. Also, ADMK owns Jaya TV, for which the TV Rights of "Vishwaroopam" were declined. The ADMK allies are the parties which are protesting against the release. So Point taken as to why Government is against the release!!! A movie that had been Certified by CBFC is banned to release means TN Government does not hold CBFC as a Recognized Board of Union of India!!!
They should also order these so called Muslim organizations which are not representing any true cause and having false motivations to pay back any loss incurred due to this unwanted act of preventing freedom of expression of an artist who truly cares about the society than any of these people in these organization.
I am surprised to see how people are so soft to JJ government in their comments, very interesting, even the judge himself surprised how 144 was issued across by all district collectors. This can only happen in TN
I really do not understand why TN govt. is so obsessed about not releasing the movie. Its a great movie to watch and no way hurts any minority sentiments. By opposing the Kamal Haasan 's movie or indirectly Kamal Haasan, the so called guardians of minorites are losing support of even secular, rational community of India. Where is India heading is the question to be asked. Freedom of expression in the form of art and literature has to be tolerated in a civilized society. If we call India to be a civilized society then we have to release Viswaroopam as soon as possible. For god 's sake this man has worked towards communal harmony for so many years and no one can question his intentions.
This is a Victory for Freedom of Expression. But who is going to compensate Kamal for the losses he has suffered. Is there a way to sue the government and make them pay up. But then that would be public money. Somebody (not the general public) should pay for the damages.
Mr. Vijay Anand,
Your question is very valid with Cho. But BJP's TN state president Pon
Radhakrishnan had demanded release of the movie stating that the ban was
unconstitutional. Generally the Media avoid some leaders' press meets,
however significant the topic might be.
Religion has done more harm to human kind than any natural disaster or epidemic.
Dear Mr. Vijayanand,
That is because Cho might not have seen the movie and unlike others he wouldn't pass blind comments. I don't think the TN Govt made any any mistake in this regard. It only banned the movie for 2 weeks(not forever) for security reasons. If the ban seeking party is ruling party alliance then why was it banned in Andhra and later in malaysia?
BTW, where were all these film industry people when the movie DAM999 was banned in TN? Censor board gave certificate for it.
I have watched this movie and there is nothing controversial in this.
This article shows that, Additional Advocate-General P.H. Arvindh Pandian and
Advocate-General A. Navaneethakrishnan scuttling hard to hold the ban on the
movie. What are they supporting for? Why are they working so hard to curb the
freedom of expression of a person?
Also this statement is really the key.
"One more aspect to be considered was that all district magistrates/collectors of 31
districts had taken a common decision and passed orders, which appeared to be
strange."
All of this was done before the movie was even watched by anyone. Why did
collectors do this? Was the order from the State Government? Do they have any proof
of acting to curb a fundamental right?
Finally, can State Government, Collectors and Lawyers be sued by public for acting
this way?
Movies are just the reflection of reality. It is quite possible many times when an historical happening is captured it might hurt or put some section of the population in bad light. History cannot be changed to suit the interest of a specific section. Tamil Nadu Government made a very bad decision in banning the movie on an assumption by a section of the population. Kamal Hassan now can sleep in peace. Let the audience decide for themselves.
I have seen the movie. It has nothing to do with Muslims of Tamil Nadu. It is about the Al Qaeda and their Terrorist activities in USA. This film cannot affect the sentiments of any peace loving Muslims. If any party in Tamil Nadu raises against this film and its theme, then that Party is not peace loving and they are basically seeing themselves in alignment with the Al Qaeda Terrorism. It is a pity that the Government of Tamil Nadu seems to go along with such violent parties.
Is it true that the ban is because the producers of the film sold the TV rights to Vijay TV rather than Jaya TV?
TN govt should not appeal and keep it as a topic. Please allow tha public to watch and let them make the decision. TN govt should concentrate on real issues of people. TN govt should not get into unnecessary controversies. Muslim groups also should not take this as prestiege issue. Obey the court decision and leave Kamal alone. Muslim groups should concentrate on real issues of Muslims.
Article 19 (2) has been undergoing a serious test in our democracy in
recent times. This 'information age' is a boon for quick and
sophisticated spread of knowledge. But unfortunately this age is very
quick on spreading rumors also. However, Thanks for the (delayed)
justice as usual!
I saw this movie. It has only one Tamil muslim character and he is depicted as patriot who fights against Afghan Terrorists. Moreover a dialogue 'It is rare to find Tamil speaking jehadi' is another proof that this movie shows majority of tamil muslim community as soft. Demand for ban by some parties did not surprise me as it was vote bank motivated. But TN Govt's Ban surprised me. Later a news in a website reported that ban seeking party was an ally of ruling party during 2011 TN election. Now i am not surprised.
usually, cho ramaswamy and BJP waste no time and opportunity to criticize minority appeasement actions by congress, Communists and especially Mr.Karunanidhi as pseudo-secularism. Atleast congress's manish tewari, communist achuthananthan and Mr. Karunanidhi had raised their voices against ban but why not BJP-CHO & co? They stand out highly visible for their blatant silence. i wonder whether they have any moral right to speak about minority appeasement and pseudo-secularism.
Great news!. Why the government is so adamant about this still, looks like they haven't learnt the lesson yet. Its very clear now, this case cannot withstand in any court, so its better to let the movie release and people/fans can watch. Good luck Kamal sir, you should not be pulled back by these silly issues, we need more and more quality movies from you.! Will watch this in theater and already looking forward for Vishwaroopam 2.
Thanks
Niranjan
Once again proved Tamilnadu goverment's poor decision makings...
Congrats kamal
welcome the justice
Jai hind
What a thriller,the case presented.Scenes changed at a flash and arguments also changed by the hour.Finally reason prevailed.kudos to the judgement pronounced..The Government of Tamilnadu may go for appeal,but the damage had already been done.Double blow to the government to-day,Cauvery water verdict was also not favourable..Kudos to Mr.Kamal Haasan,for his perseverence and good luck for his project to succeed.
Good judgement! Its the duty of the government to maintain the law and
order in the state. I hope all should abide the verdict of the court.
This is not a big issue after all a cinema so the government should not
re appeal in the supreme court.
Hope TN government will focus on solving the true probelms in the state rather than wasting public money in settling personal scores with people.
I cant understand how a moive can be banned in TN alone when the same movie is running sccuessfully in neibhouring states.
Hope some sense will prevail at least now and allow the movie to get screened all over the state.
Hurray!! Finally some good news. I hope the TN government sees reason and allows the smooth release of the movie without further delay.
Let there may be no more hiccups
Long Live freedom of expression and down with vigilantism of the fringe group! Thanks You High Court, the beacon of Justice.
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