Filmaker and actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday held an emotive press conference in Chennai during which he alleged the ban on his movie Vishwaroopam was part of a political game and he would be forced to leave the country if the harrassment continues. Here are key quotes form his press conference:

I will find out in a few days if this is a secular country: Kamal Haasan

I need a secular place to settle. If there's no secular place in India I would go overseas. My passport will change: Kamal Haasan

I think Tamil Nadu wants me out. I am not blaming any one: Kamal Haasan

I wonder how can one movie endanger the unity of our entire nation: Kamal Haasan

I'm yet to get relief. Vishwaroopam shows have been stopped again because police want physical copy of Madras HC order: Kamal Haasan

I still believe in justice but I think justice has been delayed to me: Kamal Haasan on Vishwaroopan ban

I'm yet to get relief. Vishwaroopam shows have been stopped again because police want physical copy of Madras HC order: Kamal Haasan

I still believe in justice but I think justice has been delayed to me: Kamal Haasan on Vishwaroopan ban

Nobody should think that I will be cowed down in challenging Vishwaroopan ban: Kamal Haasan

I don't want to divide country on communal lines but I can't understand why Vishwaroopan has been banned: Kamal Haasan

The Rs. 95 crore espionage thriller was originally scheduled to release in Tamil and Telugu on January 25. However, a day before the screenings, the Tamil Nadu government imposed a two-week ban on the film after some Muslim groups complained that some scenes in it portrayed the community in bad light.

Haasan, 58, described the ban as "cultural terrorism" and added: "Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose."

"Vishwaroopam" was banned from being screened in Kerala, parts of Hyderabad, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on January 25, soon after the first show.

The film resumed playing in as many as 40 theatres amidst police security in Karnataka Tuesday morning. It was released with the tagline included in the credits, "All Muslims are not terrorists and the characters depicted in this film are imaginary".

Distributors and theatre owners who had to take off the film fear losses of up to Rs. 30 crore and above.

Here are the highlights of the speech:

• I've pledged all my property for the film.
• The story setting is in Afghanistan. I wonder how it is about Indian Muslims.
• Police have sent away fans asking for court order copy.
• I've lost my house because of the delay in its release.
• I've been made an instrument along with Muslim friends.
• I do not know who is playing the game.
• One man's money, his film is not important in terms of a nation.
• I wonder how one movie could knock this mighty nation's unity.
• I need a secular place to settle. If there's no secular place in India, I would go overseas.
• After this I will have to seek a secular state for me to stay in - from Kashmir to Kerala - excluding Tamil Nadu... I will look for a state to stay.
• If I cannot find in India, I will hopefully find another secular country that will take me in.
• MF Hussain had to do it,  Haasan will do it.
• I think Tamil Nadu wants me out.
• I only want to stay in a secular state. However, that does not mean I will not make Tamil films.
• I am not angry with my people.
• I have the protection - it is only the free will to speak that is being denied.
• I want to be a secular man.
• I am not blaming one religion.  I am fed up. I am just an artiste, I am godless.
• My fans will keep peace, and that includes a lot of Muslims.
• I had shown the movie to my Muslim brothers as they are my brothers.
• For the sake of this film, I have hawked my house to a moneylender.
• My talent would remain with me.
• I have full confidence in judiciary.
• I've zero tax arrears.
• I don't disown Tamil Nadu.