Ban lifted on film Muslim groups oppose
CHENNAI, India, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- An Indian court lifted the Tamil Nadu state government's ban on a film after opposition from some Muslims, ending the delay in screening the costly thriller.
The ban on the movie "Vishwaroopam" by the southern state government was ordered removed by the state's high court in the capital Chennai, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.
The movie made by popular Kamal Hassan, who is also its main star, reportedly cost about 1 billion Indian rupees or about $20 million.
The ban had raised a controversy across the country, even as some Muslim groups opposed the movie, alleging it negatively portrayed Muslims and expressing concern about its impact on communal peace.
Hassan has maintained "Vishwaroopam" is a Muslim-friendly film. His stand was supported by the censor board, the BBC reported.
PTI said the state government may appeal the ruling by Justice K. Venkataraman.
The report said during court hearing, the state government questioned the movie's "UA" certificate and urged an investigation into it. It was alleged the certificate was not issued by Indian censors but by an examining committee.
But the allegation was rejected by the prosecution.
In an earlier editorial, the respected Hindu newspaper said: "The delay in overturning the unjustifiable ban on Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam is beginning to appear every bit as unjustifiable."
It said the ban must be quashed and the police directed to provide adequate protection to theaters and moviegoers.
"While it is the right of the fringe Muslim groups who are offended, seemingly or otherwise, to protest against the film, any demonstration should be staged only peacefully. Anyone who threatens or takes recourse to violence deserves to be dealt with strictly and punitively."
Blur, Wu-Tang Clan on Coachella bill
INDIO, Calif., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Postal Service and Wu-Tang Clan have been booked to perform at the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif.
Also on the bill are Blur, the Stone Roses, Phoenix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, How to Destroy Angels, Jurassic 5, Alt-J, Grizzly Bear, Hot Chip, The xx, Sigur Ros, Danny Brown, El-P, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Vampire Weekend, Social Distortion, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Bassnectar, Eric Prydz and Paul Oakenfold, organizers said.
The festival is to take place on the consecutive weekends of April 12-14 and 19-21.
Barbra Streisand to perform at the Oscars
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Two-time Oscar winner Barbra Streisand is to sing at next month's Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, the telecast's producers announced Wednesday.
This will be the second time the actress, film director and music icon performs at the Oscars. She previously sang the love theme from "A Star is Born" on the March 28, 1977, show, winning the Best Original Song Oscar for "Evergreen" that same night.
"In an evening that celebrates the artistry of movies and music, how could the telecast be complete without Barbra Streisand? We are honored that she has agreed to do a very special performance on this year's Oscars, her first time singing on the show in 36 years," producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a joint statement.
The producers did not say what Streisand will sing.
Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. Seth MacFarlane is to serve as host of the event, which will air live on the ABC Television Network.
'Set You Free' tops U.S. album chart
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Gary Allan's "Set You Free" is No. 1 on the U.S. album chart, Billboard.com reported Wednesday.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 is the Lumineers' self-titled album, followed by the "Pitch Perfect" soundtrack at No. 3, the "2013 Grammy Nominees" compilation CD at No. 4 and the "Kidz Bop 23" compilation CD at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are Mumford & Sons' "Babel" at No. 6, A$AP Rocky's "Long.Live.A$AP" at No. 7, Bruno Mars' "Unorthodox Jukebox" at No. 8, Taylor Swift's "Red" at No. 9 and the "Les Miserables" movie soundtrack at No. 10.
