Viswaroopam Controversy - Supporters & Detractors

Representatives of nearly 20 Muslim organizations gave a Petition to Tamil Nadu State Home secretary to ban the film Viswaroopam. They alleged that the film is hurting the sentiments of Muslims.They want a ban on screening of Viswaroopam saying it will affect social harmony. So, the government to appease Muslim organizations and to avoid potential law and order problems banned it. This is the quick background for anybody who may be living under the rocks. Here is what prominent people have to say about the Vishwaroopam controversy, listed by people who have strongly supported Kamal Haasan to people who have supported the ban.

On the Offensive

The only person who took an offensive stance against the Tamil Nadu Muslim organizations was Bangladeshi exiled writer Taslima Nasreen, who attack the fanatics seeking the ban on Vishwaroopam.

"Muslim groups wanted a ban on screening of Viswaroopam, so it was banned. Coward countries are banning the film. Coward cinemas are not going to show the film. Almost everybody is having a fear of Muslim fanatics. Almost everything in this modern world hurt the sentiments of Muslims. The fanatics have the freedom to do whatever they like. They can make books, films, paintings banned if they want... Democracy will not be real democracy, freedom of expression will remain a myth, human rights will continue to be violated if the authorities continue banning everything Muslim fanatics ask for. The authorities should stop bowing their heads before the weird demands of ignorant idiots. Islam must not be exempt from the critical scrutiny other religions have gone through...Short sighted politicians who try to appease Muslim fanatics are the enemies of the countries. It is time to reject them."

Support  for Kamal Haasan

It is highly unfortunate that the Vishwaroopam banning controversy has exposed a lot of systemic holes in our society on India's 64th Republic day. Kamal Haasan himself in his letter termed what is going on is nothing but "cultural terrorism". Ajith Kumar expressed his concern about where we are heading as a nation and called the words like 'democracy' and 'secularism' are used for vote bank politics. Prakash Raj gave the strongest support for Kamal and requested people to "stand up for our rights. Lets prove we have integrity. Lets stand by this man Kamala hassan. May this not happen again to any one". Bharathiraja issued a video strong support for Kamal expressing his disappointment about the film-makers maintaining stoic silence. Actor Parthiban also vehemently supported Kamal by questioning the role of Censor board. He also said that Censor is enough between creator and spectator.

Hindi actress, Shabana Azmi also came out supporting "Supreme court ruled that no film passed by CBFC can be banned by state govt. So how can Kamal Haasan's film be banned? It is unacceptable for a handful of protesters to hold a film's release at ransom. Its the state's business to protect its own certificate."

Many others including Shekar Kapur, Madhavan, Siddharth, Jiiva, SS Rajamouli, UTV Dhananjayan, Kushboo (to name just a few) have extended strong support to Kamal Haasan on social networks.

Seeking Compromise

Rajinikanth requested for a compromise by saying "I request Muslim brothers to discuss with Kamal to make changes without affecting the storyline". DMK chief M Karunanidhi urged protesting Muslim groups to hold talks with Kamal Haasan to resolve their differences. 

Keeping Mum

Tamil film industry association members like Sarathkumar, Radha Ravi and SA Chandrashekar have stayed mum and not available for a comment. Ameer said he will let the court make the decision. He said he will not comment until he watches the movie and requested others not to comment until a court judgment is issued. Most of the movie celebrities are in this category conveniently staying quiet to avoid any trouble by offending the state government and Muslim community.

Support for Ban on Vishwaroopam

One of the few people who supported the ban on Vishwaroopam is Director Seeman, who issued a statement claiming that Kamal Haasan should have been more responsible and careful about stereotyping of Muslims as terrorists.