 "Kamal Haasan's fim Uttama Villain runs into trouble, VHP calls for ban")
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a ban on Kamal Haasan's new movie Uttama Vilan, saying it hurts the sentiments of the Hindu community.
The Tamil Nadu unit of the outfit has lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner of Police, alleging that the portrayal of Vishnu in a song in the film had objectionable content. The song, 'Iraniyan Nadagam', belittles the conversation between Bhakta Prahalad and his father Hiranyakasipa, they said.
According to media reports, a Muslim organisation has also lodged a police complaint against the actor for his "attempts to insult religious sentiments" of Hindus.
The Rs 50-crore movie was supposed to be released on 2 April, 2015 by Eros International. It was then rescheduled for release on 1 May.
Indian National League Headquarters Secretary M Nazeer Ahammad told DNA that through 'Vishwaroopam', Haasan offended the religious sentiments of Muslims and now he is trying to do the same to Hindus through his upcoming movie 'Uthama Villain',". He alleged that the actor was trying to get cheap publicity for his movies by raking up controversies, hurting the religious sentiments of people and demanded that police take appropriate action against him.
Haasan's previous release Vishwaroopam was banned by the state government after protests by the Muslims. The film was released only after Haasan agreed to cut the controversial scenes in the film.
Ramesh Arvind, who directed the film, told the media that there was absolutely nothing derogatory in the film that would hurt the sentiments of any section of the society. He said the Censor board at Chennai has given the movie a clean chit.
The movie is about an eight century theatre artist and a modern-day superstar. The film is produced by N Lingusamy and Kamal Haasan.