Kamal's interview abt Vishwaroopam

The support for Kamal Haasan spiked today (Jan 31, 2013) with prominent film stars and directors in Chennai and Bollywood rallying around the actor-director whose film Vishwaroopam has been banned for two-weeks by the Tamil Nadu government. The actor has acknowledged this in his press conference today. Here are the highlights:

·It was very arrogant of me to say I was standing alone. You were with me, I am thankful to the media.

·A request to India, my Muslim, Jain brothers: we have a lot more work to do. This kind of squabbling will not take us forward.

·Don't disrespect artists; they are your ambassadors not politicians

·The amount of support I got from Muslims was unbelievable

·When my Muslim friends came and read their 'duas' and asked for me to forgive them, I was moved. That is true India.

·If this happens again, I would seriously think of leaving the country.

·I am not threatening, I am hurt. This is my country.

·Oscars are for Americans, I want to get Indian Awards. My films are made for Indian people.

·The only thing I want to clarify is that I am rational - for me not religion, it is people who matter.

·My only request to the government is that in case a few Muslims were arrested- it was because they were led by rabble rousing, they were pushed to anger by misinformation. They are my brothers I have nothing but love for them.

·Top stars hung around as if they were my production managers - asking me if I wanted tea or coffee.

· I am not saying sorry for saying I wanted to leave the country. I was angry, I still am.

·Why is it that we fall prey to divisions every time? I have had problems with Hindu brothers.

·Look at my films, do you see hate in it? How can people from my home state accuse me? That was the reason for my anger.

·So many of the Bollywood stars came forward. I must thank all of them.

·Islam is not targeting me. It is politics, not religion.

·I just thanked Jayalalithaa that she came forward. I think she has understood now. She is an artiste, she has come forward.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Vishwaroopam controversy

Tamil Nadu CM on Vishwaroopam issue

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa spoke to the media in Chennai on Jan 31, 2013. Here are the highlights:

·  There have been comments made that it is duty of the state govt to maintain law and order.

· As the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my first priority is maintenance of law and order and ensure public peace.

· Most people don't understand what is involved in maintaining law and order.

· There has been a lot of hysteria about the movie in the media over the last few days.

· Reckless, wild charges have been made.

·Various Muslim organisations had submitted memorandum to the govt and met the Home Secretary and demanded a ban on Vishwaroopam.

· They had also announced various demonstrations and there was apprehension that these protests could turn violent.

·When Intelligence reports were received on possibility of violence, it would have been difficult to provide security to 524 theatres.

·Actual strength of Tamil Nadu police is 91,000. If you deduct personnel required for special unit, we have 87,000 police personnel for a population of over 7 crore.

·If intelligence tell us that there is likely to be trouble, govt would take preventive action.

·The strength required for one theatre for three shifts is 60. So the manpower required for 524 is 31440.

·In addition there has to be patrolling that would require another 11,000 police personnel.

·In sensitive areas, we need additional pickets and need a striking force ready in each district. So all in all, if Vishwaroopam was released, the total manpower required would be 56440. However, there are just over 9000 personnel available.

·It is the duty of the government to maintain law and order and prevent violent incidents from occurring. It is the duty of the govt to take preventive action and it is only in that spirit that we approached the issue.

·There have been accusations against me of having private interests in this. Jaya TV does not belong to me and I do not own any shares in Jaya TV. It is a channel that supports AIADMK.

·To say that there was a demand that the film should have been sold to Jaya TV is a wild reckless charge against the constitutional authority and we will take legal action.

· Kamal Haasan has the freedom to air political views and if he wants a veshti clad politician as the PM then that is his opinion.

·Mr. Kamal Haasan doesn't select the PM.

·Kamal Haasan has taken a calculated risk in making the movie, pledging all his property. How can the govt be responsible?

·I know nothing about the movie personally, nor have i met any of the Muslim leaders agitating.

· State govt has full powers to ban a movie. If I really wanted a ban, we could have it banned straightaway. We did not do that. Hence, it proves that this is not political vendetta.

·  Mr. Kamal Haasan is not my rival in any way.

·  The reason why we did it under sec 144 is that tempers should cool down and both sides can come to an agreement.

·  Mr. Kamal Haasan avoided showing the movie to the Muslim representatives.

· Almost a month went by and there was again a delay in the release due to problems with theatre owners.

· At the last moment on Jan 21 he showed movie to Muslim representatives and on Jan 22 they decided that they did not want the movie released.

· If the leaders of Muslim organisations and Kamal Haasan can work out an amicable agreement then the govt will do everything to facilitate that.

· The decks could be cleared for screening the movie.

· There were several violent incidents in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The film is banned in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Qatar and UAE. Am I responsible for it?

· In Andhra there is a Congress govt, in Karnataka a BJP govt - it is ridiculous to blame me for whatever has transpired.

· The threat to public peace, law and order is very real.

· Muslims organisations called off agitations after govt announced prohibitory orders.

· We have no intention of curbing freedom of speech or harming Kamal Haasan.

Actor Kamal's interview

Kamal-interview

Too much focus on Vishwaroopam?

                For the past two-three days, TV channels are debating about Vishwaroopam film in a lot. Right from Censor Board Chief to Prakash Raj and Dhanush are speaking EXCLUSIVELY to TV Channels.. My question comes here is,

Is Cinema much more important than the problems faced by common citizens?

When Tamil Nadu faced step-motherly attitude by Centre in most of the cases. Here are some 

• Not asking Karnataka to release Cauvery water to TN even after SC rules out
• Sri Lankan Tamil issue
• Not forcing Kerala to do anything in Mullaperiyar Dam issue that will harm the secular 
• Kudankulam Power project (Whether it will execute or not?)
• Temporary solution for electricity crisis faced by TN.....
• For all these, the so called media channels never gave so much attention at all.

Is Freedom of Speech and Expression (that too for Artists) is only important to be discussed for them?
Totally double-standard by each and everyone in India. So who to blame for this?
Why Vishwaroopam alone getting too much focus? There are several films that are not made to release in past years in TN and some other states (As the present is associated with Kamal, there is huge cry over this)

My another doubt: How come the same film (Vishwaroopam), can be given U certificate in Hindi and U/A certificate in Tamil and Telugu versions?

The present Indian scenario can be put in simple such as

Minority rules Majority

Reservation rules Exam

Cinema and Cricket rules Media

Media rules India

TImeline: Battle of Vishwaroopam

How Kamal fought “Cultural Terrorism”?

Jan 24, 2013

Kamal Haasan's film shown red light

Vishwaroopam is banned for two weeks by the Tamil Nadu government after protests from Muslim groups. Kamal Haasan describes the ban as “cultural terrorism” and moves court.

Jan 25, 2013

Not yet, says the judge

In a setback for Kamal Haasan, the Madras High Court rules that Vishwaroopam cannot release till January 28, after it is reviewed by a judge.

Jan 25, 2013

Rajini opens his mouth after couple of days

After much delay, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth appeals to Muslim groups to help release the film. He says, "I request Muslim brethren to give up their demand to ban Vishwaroopam. Please discuss with Kamal how to make changes without affecting the storyline."

Jan 25, 2013

The blackout spreads to other states

Vishwaroopam releases in Andhra Pradesh but later screenings are cancelled. Karnataka does not allow the film in theatres. Limited screenings in Kerala see Kamal Haasan fans flocking to the state from Tamil Nadu.

Jan 26, 2013

A judicial screening

Justice K Venkatraman of the Madras High Court watches Vishwaroopam. After too much of delay, DMK chief M Karunanidhi urges Muslim groups to resolve differences with Kamal Haasan.

Jan 26, 2013

Bad news from abroad for Vishwaroopam

Malaysia pulls Vishwaroopam from theatres a day after it releases after a directive from the Home Ministry. Sri Lanka also delays release and orders a review by censors.

Jan 28, 2013

Still waiting amid behind-the-scenes turmoil

The Madras High Court defers the hearing and decision on the ban. It asks Kamal Haasan to explore an “amicable settlement” with the state government. Sources say Kamal Haasan is asked to re-edit the film and cut it down by an hour, adding that he is unlikely to agree to this demand.

Jan 29, 2013

Milord, the case for and against

Arguments are presented in the Madras High Court. Kamal Haasan’s lawyer calls the ban is “unconstitutional.” The Tamil Nadu government defends the ban, which over-rules clearance by the censor board, calling the censor sanction a “scam.”

Jan 29, 2013

Full house in Bangalore

Vishwaroopam releases in Karnataka amid police security. The film opens to packed houses.

Jan 29, 2013

Finally, the green light on but made to turn into Yellow

The Madras High Court lifts the ban but Kamal Haasan isn’t past the finish line yet. How quickly the film can start playing in Tamil Nadu theatres now depends on their availability. Soon TN Govt applied for a stay of the interim order. Puducherry Govt lifts the ban. The Madras HC (Acting) Chief Justice is to hear the case now.

Kamal on Vishwaroopam battle

Kamal's interview - highlights

விஸ்வரூபமாகி போன விஸ்வரூபம்

About Vishwaroopam Problem in Tamil

Too much of focus on Vishwaroopam by media

Too much focus on Vishwaroopam