Kamal Haasan opts out of Bigg Boss Tamil; cites scheduling conflicts with Vikram as the reason

Kamal Haasan, who has been hosting Bigg Boss Tamil since its first season in 2017, has announced that he will be opting out of the ongoing season on the back of scheduling issues.

Kamal Haasan issued a statement that read, "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. We had so far meticulously planned to ensure that the production schedule of Vikram does not affect my commitments to Bigg Boss, a show that is so very close to my heart. So much so, I did not let any personal discomfort I might have had after I was personally down with Covid. I was back on stage meeting all of you and hosting this wonderful show, the moment I tested negative."

He added, "I consider it an honour bestowed on me 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. Disney Plus Hotstar 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."

Speaking about his scheduling conflicts with Vikram's filming, he added, "The rescheduling of the production activities for Vikram that we are forced to do on account of the lock down and restrictions imposed, have unavoidably resulted in overlap of dates required to be allotted for Bigg Boss Ultimate. 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. It would be unfair to make such eminent stars and technicians wait for me, considering their schedule and other commitments that they might already have."

He shared, "Consequently, I am now constrained to opt out of this season of Bigg Boss Ultimate for the remaining episodes after 20th February. It's a tough call and a difficult one to decide considering the passion I have for Bigg Boss. I had a free and fair discussion with the management of Vijay TV and as always, the mendsementnes most supportive and cooperative, I am so overwhelmed and touched by their understanding of the constraints resulting out of this Pandemic and consequent restrictions forcing me to exit from the remaining episodes of this Big Boss Ultimate. Till I meet you again in Season 6 of Bigg Boss, My best wishes to you all!"

Vikram, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, stars Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Naren, and Kalidas Jayaram, among others. The film is yet to get a release date.