I will set my rules straight before taking up this controversial issue:
- I am writing this blog at a situation where only parts of our country have the privilege to watch this wonderfully-sculpted movie. Hence forth, do not expect me to utter a single word of the storyline.
- Do not read this if you want me to make another Aseem Trivedi and this post strictly addresses only those scarce democrats in the so-called democratic country.
The following post will take you on a roller coaster ride of the troubles faced by Kamal Hassan before releasing Viswaroopam.
Ready…1….2…..3… Here we go -->
Viswaroopam, A thriller on international espionage, acted and directed by Kamal Hassan was destined to face lots of issues right from the first take. Viswaroopam, being a Sanskrit word ran into a conflict with the Hindu Makkal Katchi who wanted the title to be changed to a Tamil word. According to them, Kamal Hassan was always Anti-Tamil and here we need to note that this was the same political party which protested a song in Hassan’s Manmadhan Ambu (2010), and was removed.
Now, the Title’s ready—Let’s go for the Shoot..!!
Ahem..Hold ON!!
The shooting of the film was slated to start by 20th April 2011, but was delayed since the US Consulate rejected the Visa Applications to the cast and the crew. They had to postpone filming till June 2011.
Kamal Hassan wanted to be a visionary by introducing the release through DTH. It was an innovative concept giving the audience an extra comfort of watching the movies at home.
All said and done with the issues as we finished the filming and expecting the release; the crew thought so.
What could be the answer…..
A Strong Nooooo….
Voices AgaiN..!!
This time it is from the theatre owners. They did not want the film to be released through DTH as it would affect their revenues. High Court of Tamilnadu had to bow to the pressure of those from Theatre Association. The decision forced Kamal to release the movie through DTH only after a week via DTH players –Tata Sky, Airtel, Sun, Dish, Videocon and Reliance BIG.
Now the most important part of any film: THE RELEASE
Viswaroopam was scheduled to release in about 500 screens in Tamil Nadu alone with booking counters showing house-full for the next one and a half weeks. 3000 prints worldwide, it was expected to be one of the big releases of the year.
25th January 2013 – The Magic Date has finally arrived!
Or the World thought so…!!
Nooooo……Not yet!
What do we have now..??
After the screening of the movie to the Islamic communities just before the release, they expressed concern over the depiction of their community. The screening of the movie was then put on hold by the Government of Tamil Nadu under Section 144 of CrPC, due to allegations from organizations like Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagham (TMMK). Its leader Jawahirullah claimed, “There is a danger that the public may view any Muslim with a beard as a terrorist waiting for an opportunity to plant a bomb”.
This made the release to be postponed in Tamil Nadu whereas it is released worldwide. This dealt a severe blow to the producers of the film who were expecting major revenue share from Tamil Nadu. In this world of digital connectivity, it would be suicidal to think of releasing your film somewhere else than your native state.
Kamal Hassan invested near to 100 crores to this movie and even sold his own house to bear the expenses. He is the only actor to invest all his earnings for the next movie. Surviving for more than 50 years in Tamil Film Industry meant keeping himself abreast of the changing trends of this dynamic film industry.
What audience say?
I watched the movie amidst high police security in Karnataka and I must say that Kamal Hassan has taken Indian Movies to the next level. Casting was inch-perfect and various news channels and film critics rated it more than 3.5 out of 5.
Latest News:
Madras High Court had lifted the ban on Viswaroopam on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 10 pm. But later it stayed the same decision which means the screening would not be anytime sooner.
Frustrated Kamal Hassan said, “Tamil Nadu wants me out. I don't know who's playing these games. I will find a secular state in India or may be go to another country. Bhai MF Hussain had to do it and so will I”.
“Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”
And this one for Mr. Kamal Hassan : “if you move out of India and you want to make a new movie, do not crush your brains for the script. I just gave you one!”
Jai Hind!
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