Vishwaroopam: Jaya govt still talks tough as fans queue up

New Delhi, Feb 1: Even as people in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore came in big numbers to watch 'Vishwaroop', the Hindi version of Kamal Haasan's controversial movie and talks on between officials, Haasan brother and Muslim groups, the Jayalalithaa government mentioned the issue in the assembly.

Addressing the budget session of the state assembly, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah on Friday warned that "This government will not spare anybody who tries to whip up communal passions. Land grabbers, anti-social elements and organizations that threaten public order have been severely dealt with."

At the same time he urged film makers to show due respect to the sensitivities of the people while making films and avoid hurting public sentiments.

The governor remarks came in the backdrop Vishwaroopam controversy and a day after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa defended the ban.

Rosaiah pointed out that the firmness and resolve and timely intervention of Jayalalithaa to ban the release of sensitive films like Dam 999, with the potential disturb peace, averted serious law and order problem that could have engulfed the state.

The members of the DMK and Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT) staged a walkout, accusing the state government of failing to resolve various issues concerning the people of Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, the Hindi version 'Vishwaroop' was released in theatres across New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore on Friday. Many people formed queues outside theatres to watch the film. Fans said they wanted to watch Vishwaropp for Kamal Haasan.

The screening of the first show was delayed at PVR Saket in New Delhi, due to technical reasons. While fans gathered at 9:45 am for the show scheduled for 10:30 am, many fans left after authorities said the show has been cancelled. However, the screening began after a small delay.

"We are not watching because of the controversy, we're watching it because of Kamal Haasan, I love all his movies as he introduces a new element in each of his movies," many fans said in New Delhi.

But the controversy has added interest in the film and a fan in Mumbai said, "the film is a big hit in Malaysia. I want to know is this is because of some political agenda or really people have been hurt by Vishwaroop."

Talks in Chennai

Tripartite talks to break the deadlock over the release of 'Vishwaroopam' began in Chennai today following Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's offer to broker peace with the protesting Muslim groups and the actor.

The meeting is being attended by some representatives of the Muslim organisations, Chandra Haasan, brother of Kamal Haasan, and state Home Secretary.

The Commissioner of Police, S George, is also attending. Breaking her silence on the state government's decision to ban the movie, Jayalalithaa yesterday offered to facilitate an amicable settlement if Haasan and Muslim groups agreed to come together.

Haasan has ruled out moving the Supreme Court for now, saying he will wait for the Madras High Court's judgement next week while trying to find a solution through talks.

OneIndia news