'Freedom of expression was intact,' says Kamal Haasan

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PTI: Chennai, Feb 08 2013, 09:41 IST

Kamal Haasan's Tamil movie Vishwaroopam was released today in theatres across Tamil Nadu sending his fans into a delirious mood after a fortnight-long suspense as the actor insisted his freedom of expression was 'intact' with only a few scenes muted.

"Thank you India. Thank You Tamil Nadu. See to it that artistes like me don't get into trouble again," said a hugely-relieved actor as the film opened to packed houses with his fans bursting crackers and pouring milk over his cut-outs.

Today's release capped a two-week long drama with many a twist and turn that saw opposition by theatre owners over the actor's plan to release it on DTH platform, protests by Muslim outfits that led to a two-week ban by Tamil Nadu government, court battle and threat of self-exile by the actor.

As the ban evoked national outcry, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa stepped in, paving the way for its release. Actor agreed to mute scenes that Muslim outfits found offensive in the government brokered meeting.

Haasan wished Jayalalithaa, who recently said she no longer watched movies, would break "her vow" for his sake as he wanted to screen the movie for his "peer and senior" in the Tamil film industry.

"I like her to see the film. Now she is a Chief Minister. But she is (also) a peer and senior. I very much like her to watch my film and hope she breaks her vow of not watching movies," a smiling Haasan told reporters.

The actor insisted that his freedom of expression was 'intact' since

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Reader's Comments (14)| Post a Comment

FOE was intact - what nonsense!

Giri | 08-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

Whether it was one cut or entire film, conceding victory to "religious" terrorism and spineless state administration has killed of freedom of expression. Kamalahasan cannot pretend that nothing much has happened. he can only fool himself, but none else. When celebrities decide that they are men of straw with feet of clay and fall at the feet of a Thackeray or a jayalalita, that is the end of their claim to be artistes first and last.

Contradictory

Alok | 08-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

How can he now say that the freedom of expression is intact if he had to cut 7 scenes? And if it is, it means he shouldn't have made those scens in the first place. I think this is Kamal Haasan speaking with a tone of compromise. Where else would be go, finally he can't change the fact that he belongs here and leaving the country or state is hardly a solution. I may not be an actor or a celebrity, but can greatly relate to his frustration. While making my decision to be in India and not stay abroad with a PR, serving the nation in some,even a small, way was always my priority. When I see all of this happening today,I re-consider my decision as I realize no one is exempt from this kind of bullying. Except maybe the 'political' class.

Kamal on Vishwarupam

vasudevan | 08-Feb-2013Reply | Forward

It is Nemesis for Mr. Kamal hasan. He has always been lampooning Hindu faith in his movies, including in Vishwarupam. He dared to do it with Muslims and paid the price for it.