Kamal Haasan's controversial film "Vishwaroopam" has finally hit the screens in Tamil Nadu on Thursday morning, 13 days after the scheduled release.

Actor, director and co-producer of the film, Kamal, organised two premiers of the film on Wednesday for his friends in Kollywood and Chennai's film industry.

According to NDTV, one of the screenings was held exclusively for superstar Rajinikanth at his residence in Chennai. Kamal watched the film with other celebrities in a separate screening.

"Yes, Rajini sir is indeed watching Vishwaroopam on Kamal sir's request. Rajini Sir was one of the first actors in Tamil Nadu who spoke up in favour of Kamal sir's film when all the protests broke out. He even offered to do a film free of cost to compensate for the losses suffered by Kamal sir because of the protests. Kamal sir has arranged a screening of Vishwaroopam in the special Auro 3D for Rajni sirm," a source close to Kamal told IANS.

The film was released across 600 screens across the state as compared to the previous screen count of 524. The spy thriller release was celebrated with Kamal's fans distributing sweets at various cinema houses.

Several of them were seen carrying photos of the actor, according to The Times of India.

"We are very happy with the response and shows have been booked till Monday. Kamal has done a brilliant job," said a theatre owner, The Hindu reported.

The film opened to packed houses, and in some theaters the shows were till the weekend.

"There was not a murmur of unrest let alone protest, anywhere in Tamil Nadu. Fans from both the communities, Hindu and Muslim, had assured me there would be absolute peace. Sure enough, the film opened today without any incident. I feel vindicated," said Kamal, according to IANS.  

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