Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam crunches as ‘Cultural Terrorism’ takes over magnum opus of Indian Cinema

A still from the Vishwaroopam

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Vishwaroopam.
Similar to its name and feel is a big budget movie written, produced, directed and even acted in lead role by none other than magnum opus of Tamil (moreover World) cinema. The finest and most sensible actor as superstar Rajnikanth puts it was about to take Tamil cinema to a next level with his vision and a world class project as this. But what followed was alarmingly disturbing as well as uninvited and unexpected after its release date.

In the very beginning when Kamal Haasan unwrapped his novel plan to boost the economy of his project in which he has possibly invested almost all his property of lifetime got setback when theatre owners refused to screen the film citing a possible narrow hit their revenue might face if Kamal went with his ideas. Kamal Haasan actually dreamt to air Vishwaroopam on DTH platforms hours before its release in the theatres. Irk of theatre owners almost halted Kamal's brainchild and at last got its release date postponed much to the dismal surprise of movie-goers. Later the issue somehow got settled down as Kamal compromised and DTH plan got shelved. With it, many people who booked movie on DTH platform lost their money! Not many although complained as at last they were going to watch coveted Kamal Haasan on silver screen after a long gap. Unexpected horror and surprise actually were still unpacked which unwrapped soon as release date came nearer.

Religious fundamentalists who call themselves Muslims and followers of Islam soon appeared on screen alleging the movie of 'showing Muslims in bad light.' The film which was smoothly passed from Censor Board of Certification consisting even Muslim representatives was stopped from screening in Tamilnadu! Irony was the state itself which boasts itself about the film stars it has produced. Chief Minister herself is former lead actress, opposition leader too hails his roots into the industry and even all after this a art film is banned from screening just because some callow hoodlums who even haven't watched the film allege of it having indigestible content. Absurd situation gets intelligently hijacked by politicos. Statements from all sides are hurled at one another and amidst all this Vishwaroopam enters into the peripheries of court.

Tamilnadu CM who speaks in length at every other occasion keeps quite at fathoming terrorism of new kind in her own state thereby fails in providing security to the screening of a film which was certified by national body but got played in the hands of few religious jingoists.

Film somehow releases at other parts of the nation and rest of the world. No reviewer on this planet speaks even a single word that could well argue in favor of those protesting over religious grounds! They say, 'even going with a power-packed microscope will not let you find any element that could possibly show a community or religion in bad light.' Two things honestly seemed crystal-clear. One as Kamal Haasan termed - its clearly cultural terrorism of worst kind. Another, the guys on streets has watched or fantasized some other film or things and are deceitfully wiggling against Vishwaroopam. In all ways, there was no point, yes not even a single point to protest against the film.

Kamal Haasan moving to the kathak moves of Birju Maharaj

The Birju Maharaj whom the world recognizes as an ultimate god of Kathak who has taught and choreographed Kamal in the film for initial flawless dance moves might too have got his share of surprised bumps as developments railed throughout the week. Why would anyone, of his caliber will associate himself with any kind of movie that showcases a community in bad light?

The movie at first place speak about the shallow terrorism and al-Qaeda but it isn't any new thing propped out of Kamal's head and he has no role whatsoever in its portrayal. Plus, we as society and humans have always argued in keeping all religions out of the ambit of definitions that define terrorism. No religion fuels brutality nor any support any of the activities of al-Qaeda. Then why frown over this magnum piece of art? Well Mr. Protester! Are you saying, you are in any way a supporter of al-Qaeda? Then do please speak little louder. We have another legal wing to deal with such affinities!

Moreover as Editor-in-chief of CNN-IBN, Rajdeep Sardesai tweeted - if you feel any content of the film hurts your sentiments or feelings then protest or stage a dharna, you have your inborn right for the same but at a distant away from theatre premises. Let those who don't agree with your ideas watch the film. What right do you have to stop others from watching it? If, you don't want to then do please don't watch it but don't intrude into other's share of freedom.

Madras HC on whose doors the Vishwaroopam knocked, even have passed judgement in favor of Kamal Haasan, after watching the film and has even directed to screen the film without any cuts. But yet, few miscreants have been successful in stopping the screening of film by throwing petrol bombs. Why isn't police arresting them? Why doesn’t J. Jayalalitha order troops to provide enough security for the screening of film? Why is she and others promoting directly or indirectly an act of cultural terrorism. Islam doesn't permit violence, right? Nor is it forces one's decision onto others. Is it? Hope not! 

For people, across the divisive lines; movie-lovers, fans or those who talk about freedom of any kind, if you are listening then do come out of those fears of no-kind and voice your support for your own share of freedom. It's your right to do so. Don't let others hijack your space.

If 'wrong' can suppress what's 'right' then can't 'right' rise up and dismantle what's 'wrong'??
Think on it....!