'Dasavatharam' contains objectionable references: VHP

Chennai, May 2 (UNI) Controversy and actor Kamal Hassan seems to go hand in hand.

After facing obstacles over controversial references in his earlier films, like 'Virumandi,' 'Mumbai Express' and 'Vasool Raja MBBS,' the thespian has courted yet another controversy, this time on his latest venture 'Dasavatharam,' in which he plays a record number of ten roles, a first of its kind in the Indian film industry.

The film is scheduled for release in the next one or two months.

As scores of his fans were eagerly awaiting the release of the film after its grandeur audio launch last week, prominent Hindu outift Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has threatened to stall the screening of the film in theatres as it contained some objectionable references.

The VHP sees red over the film reportedly containing the clash between saivite and vaishanvite saints during the 16th century AD and wanted Kamal Hassan to remove such scenes in the film.

VHP International Working President S Vedantham claimed ''we have information that the film contains the 16th century clash between saivites and vaishnavites during which idols were damaged.'' ''If these objectionable portions are not removed, the VHP will stall screening of the films and will also stage agitations before the theatres,'' he said.

However, film producer Oscar V Ravichandran was not available for his comments.

'Dasavatharam' has won accolades from Hollywood action hero Jackie Chan who, after watching the synopsis of the film, said he was awe struck by the film and wanted to act along with Kamal.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi also had a word of praise for Kamal after watching the film and patted him on the back for his stellar performance.

Its not the first time that a Kamal's film was mired in a controversy. His earlier film 'Virumandi' also faced some trouble as he was forced to change the original title 'Chandiyar,' which had caste overtones.

Mumbai Express too ran into trouble over its English title, while Vasool Raja courted trouble for allegedly defaming the medical profession.

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