Even as film buffs, language no bar, are eagerly awaiting the release of Baahubali- The Conclusion on April 28 to cap the curiosity of why Kattappa killed Baahubali, news of several groups of people in Karnataka saying they would prevent its screening there has come as a dampener.
Team Baahubali has, while being ruffled a mite, put on a brave front and the makers, director S.S. Rajamouli and Arka Mediworks Entertainment, have leveraged the media, including social media, to send out a clarification of sorts over the multi-lingual.
In what was said to be a first, the makers have said that they had come to know only recently about actor Satyaraj’s apparent reference to the ongoing dispute over Cauvery water. They said the actor had spoken his mind and voiced his ‘personal opinion’ nine years ago.
“After that, several films that had Mr. Satyaraj as an actor and producer too were released successfully in Karnataka, including Baahubali- The Beginning . Please understand that he will not be affected in any way, but only those in the team who slogged on the project for five years — the technicians, crew, producers, distributors in Karnataka, apart from connosieurs of good cinema,” Mr. Rajamouli said in a video message on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
Continuing, the ace filmmaker said from his debut as a director, Student No. 1 to Baahubali , people had supported him. “If you are upset with Mr. Satyaraj in some manner, please do not let that affect your love and support for Baahubali . I hope and wish Kannada movie-lovers will accept and support Baahubali- The Conclusion . I want your love for me to continue for as long as I make films,” he said.
The director and representatives of Arka Mediworks had telephoned Mr. Satyaraj, explaining the situation to him. “Beyond this, we do not know what to do,” said Mr. Rajamouli, summing up his earnest appeal.
