INDIA: Mixed reactions in India to the Madras High Court's decision to put on hold the release of a movie "Vishwaroopam". The latest work of Tamil actor and film-maker Kamal Haasan, has been accused by some Muslim groups of making the community look bad.
Haasan said he never intended to denigrate anyone and that the movie is being used by groups for political gain.
Tamil actor and film-maker Kamal Haasan has to wait a little longer for his latest movie to premiere in his home state of Tamil Nadu.
The Madras High Court put on hold the release of the film after protests against the film spilled onto the streets. Some Muslim groups petitioned for the movie to be banned, alleging that it depicts the community in a negative light.
Mohammed Hanifa, a coordinator for the Tamil Nadu Muslim Movements and Political Parties Confederation, said: "We cannot accept the picture. Muslims of Tamil Nadu are against the picture. We don't want the picture to be released."
Vishwaroopam will be released in the rest of the country as scheduled.
Kamal Haasan termed the ban "cultural terrorism" and said he will take legal recourse against the Tamil Nadu government.
Movie lovers said the ban is unfortunate.
Sanjay Roy, a literary festival organiser, said: "Yes, there is an element there which needs to be looked at. But there's no need to ban it. If you don't like something, don't go and watch it. If you don't like something, don't go and read it.
"I don't understand why artists are banned every time. Why is art banned? I have never seen any politician being banned."
Made with a budget of about US$17 million, the film is expected to do well at the box office. Besides producing and directing, Kamal Haasan also stars in the movie.
As India is set to celebrate the anniversary of its constitution formation, a judge will watch the movie and decide if Kamal Haasan gets to enjoy his cultural freedom, or if Muslim groups will get their way.
-CNA/ac
Mixed reactions in India after high court delays controversial film's release
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Mixed reactions in India after high court delays controversial film's release
