‘Vishwaroopam’: Such cultural terrorism should stop, says Kamal Haasan

Zeenews Bureau Delhi: Filmmaker and veteran actor Kamal Hasaan, who has been at the receiving end of a lot of darts lately, has finally resorted to legal action. The actor, whose film ‘Vishwaroopam’ was first targeted by theatre and multiplex owners due to Haasan’s decision of a DTH premiere before a theatre premiere, is now in the midst of another controversy. ‘Vishwaroopam’, which was initially set for a January 10 release, has now been branded as ‘anti-Muslims’ by several Islamic organizations. Following a special screening, the film had been banned by the Tamil Nadu government for fifteen days. In a strong letter Thursday morning, Haasan said, “While I am touched by the voices in support for me and my film, I am appalled at how my film is construed to be against my Muslim brothers.” “My statements in favour of that community have marked me as a 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,” the letter further read. The actor went on to add in his letter that his sensibilities had been insulted by the claims of denigrating a community. “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 happening again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose,” Haasan’s letter went on. “Now I will rely on law and logic to come to our support. This kind of cultural terrorism will have to stop,” the actor wrote.