Cultural terrorism should stop: Kamal Hassan

Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) Noted actor Kamal Hassan, expressing his shock at the two-week ban ordered by the Tamil Nadu government on his film "Vishwaroopam" after objections from Muslim organisations, said Thursday he would seek a legal remedy.

In a statement Kamal Hassan said: "I have been ruthlessly used as a vehicle by small groups who seek political profile. Icon bashing is a great way to be noticed when you are not one yourself. It is happenning again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose."

"Now I will rely on law and logic to come to our support. This kind of cultural terrorism will have to stop," he added.

The film, which deals about the adversities of war, was majorly shot in the US and Afghanistan.

While he is touched by the support he and his film gets, Kamal added that he is appalled at how his movie is construed to be against his Muslim brothers

"I am not only hurt by these accusations of denigrating a community but my sensibilities are truly insulted," said Kamal who has written, produced and directed the movie.

He said his statements in favour of the Muslim community has marked him as its sympathizer.

"I have always gone beyond the call of my duty as an actor to voice my opinion in favour of what was humane and civil. I have been part of an organization called Harmony India which worked for Hindu Muslim amity," he added.

On Wednesday the state government banned "Vishwaroopam" movie for two weeks with around 25 Muslim organisations objected to Kamal's movie on the ground that it portrays the community in bad light.

The Tamil and Telugu versions were slated for a Friday release, while the Hindi version, titled "Vishwaroop", is scheduled to come out Feb 1.

When Muslim organisations had objected to the movie, the 58-year-old organised a special show for them to allay their fears.

However, the organisations hardened their stance after watching the movie, alleging that the community was shown in bad light.

Earlier, the film got into trouble when Kamal had announced that he will premiere it first on DTH and then take it to the theatres.

But when distributors objected, he had to revise his plans. Now the Tamil and Telugu versions will be aired on DTH a week after theatrical release.

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Vishwaroopam

Kamal Haasan Pictures