Kamal Haasan speaks on theatre owners' protest

Kamal Haasan is embroiled in protests by theatre owners ever since he decided to release his forthcoming film "Vishwaroopam" on DTH (direct-to-home) platform ahead of its release in theatres. The actor-filmmaker has urged the exhibitors to help him bring about a revolution.

"You can't ask a farmer to stop farming just because he said 'no' to traditional ploughing and 'yes' to tractor. I consider myself a farmer in this case, because DTH is my tractor and since I've adapted to change, I request not to be stopped from farming," Kamal told reporters here Saturday.

"Vishwaroopam" will be premiered at 9.30 p.m. on six DTH platforms Jan 10, a day before its release in theatres Jan 11. It will be available on Airtel, Sun Direct, Dish TV, Videocon, Big TV and Tata Sky.

"The film will be screened Jan 10 in all six DTH platforms. The digital video recorder (DVR) will be disabled by all DTH providers to ensure there is no piracy," Kamal said.

"Vishwaroopam" is written, directed and produced by Kamal Haasan -- he also plays the lead role. The film also features Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose and Shekhar Kapur in prominent roles.