The Indian film industry is undergoing changes that are quite similar to those experienced by the common man in the country. After a slew of recent controversial incidents, the inner workings of the Indian political system has been discussed at great length by all and sundry. Of late, it is South Indian superstar Kamal Haasan’s new movie ‘Vishwaroopam’ that has been the centre of debate. The Tamil Nadu government had issued a ban on the film for depicting certain sections of society in poor light, something that was not taken lightly by Haasan, who has threatened to leave the country.
The ‘Hey Ram’ actor said that India is not living up to its image of a secular state and that if it doesn’t prove itself he may have to leave the country and find solace in another state that will allow him to practice his art. The ‘Dasavatharam’ star also cited examples of other Indian artists who had to leave to country to freely practice their profession, saying that he could follow suite. The ban on the movie was lifted on January 30, 2013 by a Madras High Court judge, who watched the movie.
The Hindi version of Haasan’s movie will be releasing across India on February 1, 2013 and it remains to be seen if the rest of the country will object to its content. There has been some violence in Tamil Nadu, where petrol bombs were thrown at cinemas gearing up to screen the movie, luckily nobody was hurt in the incident.
Kamal said that he would continue to make Tamil films, as he will always be a Tamil and and Indian at heart.
