It is often said that ‘tough times don’t last longer; tough men do’. Kamal Haasan has just proved it right with the release in theatres of his Vishwaroopam all over Tamil Nadu yesterday. The opposition Kamal faced from several quarters before getting the film released was something he would never forget for the rest of his life but the response shown by the public to watch the film must have soothed his heart to a large extent.
Cinema halls in Chennai and elsewhere in the State hung ‘house full’ boards for all the shows of the film yesterday, clearly indicating the curiosity and interest displayed by the common man in watching the film to find out what was in it which had made Muslims feel so restless prior to the film’s release. Long queues were witnessed at the theatres screening the film with many disappointed at missing out in watching the film on the ‘first day’ itself.
Kamal’s recent interview at his residence had moved many of his fans. They were particularly upset when he said that he had invested Rs.100 crores in the film and if it didn’t release, he would go ‘completely bankrupt’; following this, many fans sent money-orders, cheques and Demand Drafts to Kamal while some had even sent to him the ‘original documents’ of their respective properties for Kamal to use them up.
Visibly moved by his fans’ response, Kamal had acknowledged the receipt of all the money in the form of cheque/DD/money-orders but told his fans that he was sending them back to the addressees as he didn’t want to burden them and that he was so happy that they were always with him and were ready to do ‘everything’ for him. Actor-director Sasikumar’s letter of support made Kamal froze for a few moments, it is said as he was over-awed by the love and affection of the younger generation of film-makers.
“Finally, the film released today; I’m at a loss of words thank the people of Tamil Nadu and my fans for the immense support rendered by them. But for their support, the film wouldn’t have seen the light of the day. I also appeal that uniform yardsticks be adapted in passing/banning a film,” Kamal’s statement said.
