Kamal Haasan victim of state terrorism: Mahesh Bhatt

Film-maker feels the Indian film industry is an easy target.

NEW DELHI:

Film-maker Mahesh Bhatt feels actor-director Kamal Haasan is a victim of state terrorism; his film Vishwaroopam has been banned in several states.

“He is a victim of state terrorism. Are we living in a state where there is no law and order? This is a question which not only a film-maker should be asking, but the people of India must be asking,” said Bhatt.

The director calls Kamal a pride of the country. “Kamal is a national asset. He has made a film by putting his everything at stake. He showed that film to the censor board members and after taking a legitimate censor certificate the film goes to the cinema halls. And after spending so much on PR and then the state stops it?,” Bhatt added.

“In a country where you have the right of freedom of expression, and you still have to beg here and there, then what is the point,” he said further.

Bhatt has urged the film fraternity to come forward and support Kamal.

“This is the time when everyone should raise their voice and be on his side. It’s a very dark moment in our history. Each and every person should fight for Kamal’s justice.”

Commenting on what is happening with him and superstar Shahrukh Khan, Bhatt feels the film industry is an easy target.

“The film industry is a soft target. Recently, Shahrukh Khan also found himself in trouble when his statement was twisted and presented for political benefits. What is happening in our country?” he said.

The mega-budget film was due to release January 25, but the Tamil Nadu government banned the film following fears of a law and order situation. The ban was further extended to Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

The Chennai High Court on Tuesday ruled in favour of Vishwaroopam and the ban was revoked. It, however, said the administrative step was to be taken by the government.

In another ruling on Wednesday, a two-judge bench of the high court re-imposed the ban on the film.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2013.

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