HC dismisses VHP petition against Kamal Hassan's film

The Madras High Court today dismissed a petition by VHP seeking a stay on the release of Kamal Hassan's film "Uttama Villain", slated to hit the screens on May 1, and deletion of a song which the group claimed contained a derogatory reference to Lord Vishnu.
Justice T Raja dismissed the petition holding that there was no merit in the plea. "As the court is not able to find any merit in the writ petition, it is dismissed."
When the petition by VHP Tamil Nadu Organising Secretary S Raja came up for hearing, the judge said the court found 'no error' as complained by the petitioner in the description of Lord Vishnu.

The petition had also prayed for an interim injection restraining the producers from releasing the film.
Claiming that the song that begins as 'Udirathin kathai' (story of blood) had a word of derogatory reference to one of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, it had sought a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification to delete the song.
Petitioner had further contended that a "sluggish attempt" had been made to criticise Lord Vishnu by including the particular word in the song "deliberately and intentionally".

Such a line of lyrics not only belittled, demonised, deprecated and cast aspersions on Lord Vishnu, but also defamed, insulted and maligned the unassailable faith and belief of the Hindus, he submitted.

He said representations were given against the film to CBFC, Tamil Nadu Home Secretary and Chennai Commissioner of Police but no action was taken.
The petitioner claimed that CBFC while certifying the film had failed to adhere to the mandate as laid down in relevant sections of Cinematograph Act.
If the producers succeed in their attempt of releasing the film, the whole Hindu community would be greatly prejudiced and put to severe harassment and mental agony, the petitioner claimed.