Mr Justice K Venkataraman of Madras High Court today viewed Kamal Hassan's controversial film 'Vishwaroopam' after it was banned from screening in theatres following objections from some Muslim outifts alleging that the film portrayed them in bad taste.

The special screening was organised at a private film lab which was viewed by the Judge and also by some Muslim leaders. Citing law and order problems, the Tamil Nadu Government had imposed a two-week ban on the film two days before its scheduled release in theatres on January 25 following protests by Muslim organisations. The Rajkamal Films International, the production house of the actor, and Kamal's brother S Chandrahasan filed a writ petition before the Madras High Court challenging it and prayed for an interim stay.

When the petition came up before Mr Justice Venkataraman on January 24, the Judge refused to pass any interim orders and said he would view the film and decide on the merits of the government's orders imposing a ban on the film. Following this, the Special screening of the film was organised today. The Judge after going through its contents, would pass orders on whether to extend or lif the ban, when the writ petition filed by Rajkamal Films comes up for hearing on January 28.

The much-awaited film, which has hit several roadblocks, had not hit the screens in Tamil Nadu yesterday. Though the film was banned in some states and abroad, it had hit the theatres in some other states and also in some countries.