Film fraternity bats for Kamal Haasan over 'Vishwaroopam'

Members of the film fraternity, including superstar Shah Rukh Khan, have spoken out in support of Kamal Haasan over the controversy surrounding the release of his film Vishwaroopam.

After the Madras High Court cleared the film's release in a verdict last night, the Tamil Nadu government today filed an appeal against the interim order by a single judge.

The film's screening has been started and stopped today in various parts of TN, with an emotional Haasan saying he would leave the state in search of a "secular" place after incurring losses due to the delay in the mega-budget project's release.

"We have all gone through this, we have all faced this. To say the least, it is the most unfortunate thing to happen to a film. I would really like to state, this has happened to my own films. I have done this for Billu Barber, Om Shanti Om, SRK said at an event last night, adding that a Censor certificate should mean that the film is fit for viewing all over the country.

"Kamal Haasan is a senior who I have a lot of respect for. My company Red Chillies has done the visual effects in Vishwaroopam. So it is just unfortunate and completely wrong."

South actor Nagarjuna also came out in support of Haasan, saying, "I haven't seen the film, but I know Kamal ji for a long time now and been an ardent fan of him and his work. he is one of the best actors India has produced. I don't think he is a man who would do something to affect communal harmony."

Haasan's good friend and superstar Rajinikanth had spoken in support of the actor-filmmaker when the film was banned by the Tamil Nadu government initially, after protests by Muslim outfits.

Actor Siddharth, who has starred in films down South as well as Bollywood, took to Twitter in support of Haasan.

"Heartbreaking to see the greatest Tamil actor of all time talking about leaving Tamil Nadu, about bankruptcy and about unfair persecution. Vishwaroopam screenings cancelled before starting & even stopped mid show all over TN. What a sad day. What a horrible week. #TalibanTN," he tweeted.

Actor Ranvir Shorey posted on the micro-blogging site, "These powers are meant to protect constitutional values, not selfish political interests. Pandering to ethnic groups of bullies is what divides the nation, not films and books!"

Actor Rajat Kapoor tweeted, "What is this country? Ban this - ban that. Don't allow this one to make films, this one visit a lit fest! Let's call ourselves Bandia!! How come Vishwaroopam has not caused any harm to national unity in the states where it has been released already? When censor board gives a certificate to a film, isn't it valid for the whole country? Or are we many countries??"

"Scary situation where even a CBFC body cant guarantee the certification will be sufficient enough for a smooth run of a film," posted actor Manoj Bajpayee.