Pandemic restrictions force Kamal Haasan to exit 'Bigg Boss Ultimate', actor will focus on 'Vikram' production

Superstar Kamal Haasan confirmed on Sunday that he has decided to exit the popular reality TV show, 'Bigg Boss Ultimate'.

In a detailed post on Twitter, the actor said that the schedule of the TV series is clashing with the production of his upcoming movie 'Vikram'. The official statement, titled 'After a short break', comes after days of speculation.

He said that the 'Vikram' team had meticulously planned the production schedule so that it doesn't affect his 'Bigg Boss' commitments, but the pandemic restrictions and number of lockdowns played a spoilsport.

"The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and restrictions rightly imposed by the Government has created disarray and has constrained us to reschedule the production and post-production of our forthcoming film, 'Vikram'," Haasan's statement read.

Haasan said that the dates of the movie and TV show have overlapped, making it 'impossible' for him to manage both. He also said he doesn't want to make the other prominent stars and technicians of the film industry wait who have been giving their time to the show.

"Considering the fact that some more days of shoot are left to complete the scenes which have the combination of some of the most prominent stars and technicians of the film industry, it has become practically impossible to manage both 'Vikram' and 'Bigg Boss' together," his statement said.

Keeping these difficulties in mind, Haasan decided to opt out of the current season of 'Bigg Boss Ultimate' for the remaining episodes after February 20. "It's a tough call and a difficult one to decide considering the passion I have for 'Bigg Boss'," he said
The 67-year-old also assured his fans that he will return for the sixth season of the reality show as it is very close to his heart. He has been a part of the Tamil TV show since 2017 as a host.

He also recalled the time he was down with Covid, and didn't let his personal discomfort affect the show. "I was back onstage meeting all of you and hosting this wonderful show, the moment I tested negative," he added.

Haasan said he was honoured to launch the first digital avatar of 'Bigg Boss'. "As someone who has always been an avid supporter of innovation and technology in the field of entertainment, I became so passionately involved and attached to Bigg Boss Ultimate," he wrote.

He also said that Disney Plus Hotstar, the streamer of the show, has been a pioneer of many such initiatives and innovation. "It is a matter of pride for me to be associated as a brand ambassador of Disney Plus Hotstar," he added.

The Padma Bhushan awardee said that he had a 'free and fair discussion' with the management of Vijay TV, and they were supportive. "I am so overwhelmed and touched by their understanding of the constraints resulting from this pandemic and consequent restrictions forcing me to exit the remaining episodes of 'Bigg Boss Ultimate'," he concluded.

'Vikram' is produced under Haasan's banner Raaj Kamal Films International. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj of 'Master' fame, the Tamil-language film is billed as a high-octane action drama.

The team kick-started the film's shoot in July 2021. 'Vikram' also features two of the South cinema's biggest names - Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil.

Haasan is awaiting the release of 'Indian 2', which has been directed by S Shankar. The movie also features Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh.