Kamal Haasan Controversy: Tamil Superstar’s Comment on ‘Hindu Terror’ Fetches him Backlash and Court Case

Varanasi, November 4, 2017 : Tamil Superstar Kamal Haasan's remark on 'saffron terror' landed him in the middle of a controversy. In his weekly column in the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, the actor asserted that the right wing cannot deny the influence of 'extremist elements' in its cadre.

His statement not only sought him backlash from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), but also fetched him a court case for 'hurting' religious sentiments.

Moved by lawyer Kamlesh Chandra Tripathi, a court in Varanasi will today hear a plea against Kamal Haasan, against his comment.

What is the Kamal Haasan Controversy All About?

Through his column in the Tamil weekly magazine, Kamal Haasan wrote that, "Extremism has spread into their (right wing) camp as well."

He further elaborated his belief on Hindu extremism and wrote "Hindus are losing faith in 'satyameva jayate' and instead subscribing to 'might is right'," which earned him the wrath of staunch Hindu supporters.

Kamal Haasan's controversial comment came in response to Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan's question, who sought the actor's opinion on the underlying communalism seeking to destroy the tradition of peaceful co-existence apparent in the Tamil Dravidian society.

The Kamal Haasan controversy also coincides with the superstar's entry into politics.

Reactions to Kamal Haasan's Comment

The BJP was quick to react to Kamal Haasan's comment and called him a "wannabe MGR", signaling to his attempt to be like the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK party founder MG Ramachandran.

RSS partisan Rakesh Sinha also took to Twitter and demanded Kamal Haasan to render an apology.

Colleagues from the film industry Khushbu Sundar and Prakash Raj however seemed to be in agreement with Kamal Haasan's comment.

The actress applauded fellow actor Prakash Raj for voicing his opinion on the issue.

Case Against Kamal Haasan

Following his comment on 'Hindu terror', a case has been filed against Kamal Haasan in a Varanasi court.

The complaint has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in appropriation to defamation and attempt to cause offence. Additionally, the case has also been registered as an attempt to hurt religious sentiments and incite communal disharmony.

Kamal Haasan's comment comes right before he is preparing to kick start his political career.

Kamal Haasan has been contemplating launching his own political party, and has been vocal about the same.

The Tamil superstar had previously met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in September this year and discussed his views on recruitment of "young, fresh faces" for the new party.

Furthermore, he had asked his fans to be ready for a "big announcement" on his birthday, November 7.