Kamal Haasan seeks govt protection to release 'Viswaroopam'

This, after he recieved threats that the movie will be pirated, power supply to theatres screening it would be suspended

Kamal Haasan has sought help from the police and government after receiving threats that his new movie Viswaroopam, which is to be released in DTH on January 10th, would be pirated and the power supply to the cinemas screening it will be suspended.

Haasan called on Additional Director General of Police T K Rajendran and Home Secretary R Rajagopal and submitted a petition seeking protection for theatres, which will be screening Viswaroopam - his Pongal release -  across the State.

"I have been receiving threats that the film (Viswaroopam) will be pirated and electricity supply to the theatres (which have decided to show the movie) will be suspended. Since these are against the law, I decided to lodge a complaint with ADGP (Law and Order)", Haasan told reporters.

The 58-year-old actor, also sought the State government's help by meeting State Home Secretary R Rajagopal.

It may be noted, the controversy on releasing the Rs 90 crore film started after the actor decided to release it on Direct-To-Home (DTH) platform on January 10, a day ahead of its release in cinemas. Exhibitors and theatre owners started protesting on this decision and the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association (TNTOA) announced that they would not release the film in theatres.

Haasan continued his stand and said it is a new business model and it will not affect theatre owners in any way.

“It's as an evolutionary growth and this is the way to go forward”, he said.

He was hopeful that he can rope in 400 theatres to screen his movie.

Haasan has already tied up with six operators — Tata Sky, DishTV, Sun Direct, Airtel DTH, Videocon DTH and Reliance Big TV — for the premiere. Subscribers will need to pay Rs 1,000 for the Tamil version and Rs 500 for the Hindi one.