CHENNAI: More than a week after the storm over " Vishwaroopam" began, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday broke her silence, defending her government's decision to ban it in her state in light of the "grave law and order" problems that the film might have created.
Jayalalithaa said if Muslim organizations and Kamal Haasan were willing to discuss an amicable agreement by deleting objectionable parts, then theatres would be free to show the film. Kamal thanked the CM for "her help" and all but ruled out going to the Supreme Court actor at a press conference in Mumbai later in the day.
"Now that she (Jayalalithaa) has helped us, why should we go (to the Supreme Court)?" Kamal asked.
Dismissing allegations that she had political and personal motives — like Muslim appeasement before 2014 Lok Sabha elections and alleged enmity with actor-director Kamal Haasan — behind the ban, Jayalalithaa emphatically said there were "very real threats to law and order" and that her government's primary responsibility was to maintain peace.
"How is it possible for the government to provide protection to 524 theatres and maintain law and order when we do not have adequate manpower for all the theatres?" Jayalalithaa asked. Her attempt was to allay growing concerns among the people across Tamil Nadu about the fate of the film, and refute charges by the DMK that she had an axe to grind in stalling "Vishwaroopam"'s release. There was also a nationwide backlash against the decision, with the Centre taking a dim view of her government's decision.
"As per the certification law, Jayalalithaa should have approached the Centre if the state government had law and order concerns regarding its screening. It's the Centre that is empowered to review decision on film certification. A film can't be banned by just invoking the Criminal Procedure Code," said a Union minister.
'Vishwaroopam' row: Jayalalithaa steps in, Kamal Haasan thanks her
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'Vishwaroopam' row: Jayalalithaa steps in, Kamal Haasan thanks her
