The original Tamil version of actor-director-producer Kamal Hassan's controversial spy thriller Vishwaroopam' opened to rousing reception from his fans associations as well as film buffs with over 500 theatres, including some multiplexes, screening the movie in Tamil Nadu.
Even early morning shows were, predictably, housefull as cinema parlance goes. Euberant Kamal fans, who were initially worried their 'Ulaganayakan's (as the actor's title goes) film may not hit the screens, celebrated the occasion putting up huhe 25 foot and 50 foot cut outs and performing the traditional 'palabhishekam' (pouring milk as a mark of reverence) on them. According to some theatre managers, the film was booked till February 16 and expected to do well, as his fans swear.
The film that Kamal had also written, directed and produced under his Rajkamal Films International's banner with elder brother Chandrahassan, has also been dubbed into Telugu and Hindi and shot extensively in United States and Afghanistan. The film also had a world premier in America. However, the Tamil version of the film had its release delayed. It was orignally slated for January 25 release. However, 24 Muslim outfits demanded a ban making a representation to Tamil Nadu Government alleging it hurt Muslim sentiments and portrayed them in poor light besides insulting the Holy Quran.
A legal battle in Madras High Court ensued with a Division Bench upholding the temporary ban imposed by the state government citing possible law and order breakdown. Kamal, following the advise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, sat down for talks with the protesting Muslim groups and agreed to cut seven scenes and release the film with a disclaimer.