Hyderabad bizman moves HC against screening of 'Viswaroopam'

A writ petition was filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court today seeking ban on screening of actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan's movie 'Viswaroopam' for allegedly "hurting religious sentiments of Muslim community".

The writ was filed by a city-based businessman Mohammed Haji.

Contending that the movie was "anti-Islamic, blasphemous and hurting to the religious sentiments of Muslim community", the petitioner has sought ban on screening and suspension of its exhibition.

"In the movie, Muslims are shown in a manner which is highly offensive and objectionable. It is a direct assault on religious beliefs and sentiments of Muslims," Haji said, adding that screening of such movies is detrimental to social harmony.

The petitioner requested the high court to issue directions to respondents Andhra Pradesh government, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Broadcasting Corporation of India (BCI) to ban the screening of 'Vishwaroopam' and suspend its exhibition.

The high court has not yet admitted the petition.

The screening of Telugu version of 'Viswaroopam' was resumed in Hyderabad city on January 26, a day after it was suspended on order of police.