Kamal Haasan’s 'Vishwaroop' releases in Uttar Pradesh

Kamal Haasan’s controversial film Vishwaroop has been released in Uttar Pradesh despite fears that the film may be banned there too.

Vishwaroop, the Hindi version of Kamal Haasan's multi-lingual movie Vishwaroopam, released in Uttar Pradesh Friday amid tight security.

The film is being screened in five multiplexes and two single screen theatres here, officials told IANS.

Despite warnings by the ruling Samajwadi Party not to allow the screening on grounds that it portrayed Muslims in poor light, the government late Thursday gave its nod for its release in the state.

Inspector General of Police Badri Prasad Singh told all district police chiefs to provide adequate security to all cinemas.

Police officials told IANS that while they were apprehensive over the 149-minute film, there was no trouble.

There were minor protests outside the Shubham Hall in Lucknow and a multiplex in Agra.

Atul Gupta, deputy manager of PVR Cinemas here, told IANS that the first show opened at 1 p.m. with only 70 spectators in a hall meant to seat 209 people.

The original "Vishwaroopam" in Tamil is banned in Tamil Nadu.

Formal talks on 'Vishwaroopam' to be held Friday evening

Following preliminary talks moderated by Tamil Nadu Home Secretary R. Rajagopal between Chandra Haasan and leaders of Muslim organisations Friday, both parties are likely to meet formally in the evening in a bid to end the ban on the film "Vishwaroopam".

"Both parties have finished the first round of talks. They will meet formally around 6 p.m. to come to an amicable solution," a government source told IANS.

Both parties convened for the talks around 11:45 p.m. here Friday.

Muslim leaders met Tamil filmmaker Ameer Sultan and Chandra Haasan, brother of actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan and his partner in production company Raj Kamal Films International, Jan 31.

"We've submitted letters to the government requesting it to oversee the talks between Raj Kamal Films International and (Muslim) leaders", Chandra Haasan said later on Thursday.

Both sides agreed to meet after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said her government would help Kamal Haasan release the film if he reaches a pact with the protesters.

The Rs.95 crore espionage thriller was set for release in Tamil and Telugu January 25, but a day earlier the Tamil Nadu government imposed a two-week ban on it fearing protests by Muslim groups.

The film's Hindi version, "Vishwaroop", released Friday.