In 2013, Kamal Haasan found himself at the centre of a major controversy with the release of Vishwaroopam. The film drew objections from several Muslim organisations, who claimed it portrayed their community in a negative light. This led the Tamil Nadu government, under then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, to impose a two-week ban on the film, even though it had been released smoothly in neighbouring states.

The ban was a significant setback for Haasan, who had invested his personal resources into the film, taking on multiple roles as writer, director, producer, and lead actor. The financial strain was so severe that he publicly admitted to being close to bankruptcy.

At a press meet in Mumbai in January 2013, a visibly emotional Haasan voiced his despair and even suggested that he might consider leaving India if such repeated obstacles continued. Meanwhile, in Chennai, a large number of supporters gathered outside his residence in Alwarpet to show their backing. From the balcony of his home, Haasan addressed the crowd with an emotional speech.

Pic: Twitter