In the past, Kamal Haasan recalls that following the release of Vishwaroopam, he was accused of being anti-Muslim.
One of the most admired actors in Indian cinema is Kamal Haasan. He has performed in more than 200 films, showcasing his impressive versatility by taking on a variety of roles in different genres. But did you know that, when Vishwaroopam was published, he was once accused of being anti-Muslim?
The espionage action movie starring Kamal was released in 2013. In addition to Rahul Bose, Shekhar Kapur, Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah, and Jaideep Ahlawat playing supporting roles, the legendary actor also directs and produces the film. 2018 saw the release of a sequel as well.
In a chat, Kamal Haasan described a dilemma he had encountered after the theatrical release of Vishwaroopam when the movie was outlawed in numerous areas. Several states had threatened to outlaw it. But only Tamil Nadu went ahead and outright outlawed it. The uncertainty caused some level of worry among Tamil Nadu’s theatre proprietors. I cannot blame them. Like any other business on the streets, movie theatres show films. In the event of a conflict, they will leave. They will also close their doors if there is a riot, he added.
Additionally, Kamal Haasan said that some of the film’s content had offended Muslim organizations. I was called an anti-Muslim, he continued. I wonder whether these groups were around when I was attacked 17 years ago for Hey Ram. My film at the time posed a danger to the saffron hue. It was the color green in the Vishwaroopam. Only the color alterations. The pattern of absurd protests continues. No matter the hue of the terrorists—green, saffron, or khaki—I oppose all forms of terrorism. Regardless of their religion, I adore all Indians.
The National Award-winning actor later asserted, however, that the 2018 release of the sequel Vishwaroopam 2 would feature more politically charged moments.
