There seems to be no end to the controversy surrounding latest film starring Upendra and directed by Srinivasa Raju, maker of Dandupalya .
With the earlier title Basavanna running in to rough weather, the director wanted to name the film Brahmana . However, that too has now landed in controversy, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) refusing to give permission for the second title.
Frustrated with the controversy surrounding the title, C.R. Manohar, producer of the film, has decided to release the movie without a title, if he cannot get the right one.
Actor Upendra said that everyone was reacting without knowing the content of the film and there was no question of hurting anybody. “Is this an issue to be debated in the Assembly?” he asked.
Arguing in favour of releasing the film without a title, he said that was the only option left. Mr. Manohar said the film would be released without title, in case he does not get an “apt” title.
From the day of is launch, the film landed in controversy because of its title Basavanna , which was seen as a reference to 12th century social reformer. The poster showing a person in yoga posture with a gun beside him stirred a controversy.
Mr. Manohar had clarified that the film name was not based on the life of 12th century social reformer and promised to remove the pistol from the poster. The issue was discussed in the Assembly too and resulted in the government seeking change in title.
Describing the government’s direction to KFCC to withdraw the title as “curtailing freedom of expression”, Mr. Srinivasa Raju asked: “What was the need to raise the issue in the session, when several other burning issues are plaguing the State?”
Refusing to divulge content of the film, he said the symbols used in the poster had a relevance for the film.
