Vishwaroopam's Hindi version in theatres, critics say the film is not anti-Muslim

New Delhi: Kamal Haasan's 'Vishwaroopam' hits theatres in Hindi on Friday as Vishwaroop. CNN-IBN Entertainment Editor watched the movie and found there was nothing communally offensive in the film. Most film critics who have seen Vishwaroop said the controversy was much ado about nothing.

"Having watched Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam, I think I can safely say that the film is not anti-Muslim. It is not a film that should offend Muslim sensibilities. The film's theme in the backdrop is one terrorism, it is set around and after the events of 9/11. You can say that the film is anti-terrorism but it's not anti-Muslim. In fact that's the point that has been made by the one positive Muslim character in the film," Masand said.

Earlier on Friday, Kamal Haasan implored the fundamentalists to "see reason" and said he will not stop pursuing negotiations with them over his film 'Vishwaroopam', while talking to CNN-IBN on Thursday night. The actor and director also claimed he does not "rule out politics" in the controversy that has surrounded his Rs 95 crore budget film.

Haasan said his film would "make Indian Muslims proud". However, he questioned whether those protesting against his film "understood cinema".

A now visibly mellowed Haasan said his statement on Tuesday about leaving the country was out of anger and he was very "inflamed". Haasan, who earlier in the day thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for clarifying her stand on the ban on the film, said he could not reach her initially, which resulted in him approaching the court.