The controversy was so intense that Haasan famously stated he might leave the state or country if "secularism" was not upheld.

from the film Vishwaroopam :

Instead of risking malware or legal trouble, the film is available on legitimate streaming platforms.

In 2013, the Tamil Nadu government initially banned the film under Section 144 to prevent potential unrest from religious groups who felt the depiction of Islamic characters was problematic.