Mid-Day

The Centre today came out in support of film star Kamal Haasan, who is facing problems in releasing his mega budget film 'Vishwaroopam', saying everyone in the country enjoys the freedom of expression and artists have full liberty to continue their choice of work.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde (File pic)

"We are a free society. There is freedom of expression. There is liberty for artists. We have a Constitution," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters.

He was reacting to a question on the actor's statement that Tamil Nadu does not want him to stay in the state and that he might leave.

Asked about the problems being faced in the release of 'Vishwaroopam', Shinde said there was some problem in some states and he would look into it.

"We will see. We will enquire into what has happened," he said. Upset over the hurdles caused by the ban on the release of 'Vishwaroopam', an emotional Haasan today said Tamil Nadu does not want him to stay in the state and he might seek a "secular" place in the country or overseas. 

Meanwhile, on an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government against the interim order of a single judge giving clearance for screening of the Tamil movie, the Madras High Court today set aside order lifting the ban.