Vishwaroopam 2: Fully geared to tackle any protests says Kamal Haasan

Chennai: Five years have rolled by since Kamal’s Vishwaroopam hit the screens. Not much may have changed in Tamil Nadu since then with the one difference now. Kamal Haasan is a politician too. What effect that will have on the release of the trailer of the action thriller Vishwaroopam 2 remains to be seen.

The trailer of the long pending film Vishwaroopam 2, a sequel to his earlier film with the same title which ran into several controversies, was unveiled at 5 pm on Monday by his daughter and actress-musician Shruti Haasan on the digital platform.

Soon after the launch, Kamal met the press at the usual place - his Eldams Road office, earlier the family home - and answered only film-related questions. The movie, which has a release date of August 10 now, is written and directed by Kamal. The versatile actor said that Vishwaroopam 2 would be released in thousands of screen all over world.

Clarifying that the delay was not due to Raaj Kamal Films International, Kamal said, “the delay isn’t because of Raaj Kamal. You all know the reasons. True to what lyricist Vairamuthu sir wrote for the first part - ‘Thadaigalai Vendrae Sarithiram Padaithavan’ (He will create history winning over difficulties), I believe it is my responsibility to bring out what I like and what people like. The actors who have performed in this have done it out of their love towards me.”

Answering a query if he anticipated any controversies and protests similar to those that arose while his original Vishwaroopam was releasing for its sequel as well, the seasoned actor said, “No, I don’t think so. That was for a different political reason. It was also proved then. Even if there are any objections now, being a politician now, I am fully prepared to face and tackle them.”

Asked if Vishwaroopam 2 would mark his political entry, the Makkal Needhi Maiyam president responds with a smile.

“No, it is a faithful sequel to the first part released in 2013 and more so, we can even call it a prequel.”

At a time when he has plunged into politics and also announced the name of his political party, is there any pressure mounting on him with the film’s release?  The 63-year-old expressed the opinion that one should not mix politics and cinema.

 “I don’t feel any pressure. A cinema should be viewed only as cinema. I will not mix politics and cinema.”

The actor also asserted that he is not foreseeing the issue of the film might have to be screened prior to its release, like it happened last time.

“Tamil films will soon become the content the world sees and if Raaj Kamal Films International’s name is a small part of that history, we would be happy,” is how he signed off.

Vishwaroopam will release simultaneously on August 10 in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, much like Rajini’s Kaala.

After launching the Hindi version Vishwaroop 2, Aamir Khan wrote on his social media handle, “Dear Kamal Sir, congratulations to you and to the entire team of Vishwaroop 2 ! Wishing you all the very best.  Love and respect always.”

Jr NTR who unveiled the Telugu version wrote, “ONE MAN. MANY FACES. Feel truly honoured to launch the trailer of this great man Kamal Haasan sir’s labour of love.”