Film distributors and exhibitors of Karnataka on Tuesday unanimously decided not to release Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala in Karnataka in protest against his stand on the Cauvery issue.
This followed a meeting convened by Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in which over 80 major exhibitors, representatives of multiplexes and the film’s distributor, Goldie Films, “voluntarily” decided against releasing the film, which is slated to release on June 7.
Rajinikanth who has forayed into politics recently, had, in April, urged the Centre to form the Cauvery Management Board (CWMB) and warned that failure to do so would incur the wrath of Tamil Nadu. More recently, he demanded the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Kannada organisations are opposing his stand.
Speaking after Tuesday’s meeting, KFCC president Sa.Ra. Govindu said that distributors and exhibitors had resolved to not screen Kaala “to show solidarity with the people of Karnataka.”
Leaders of various Kannada organisations had submitted memorandums to KFCC, asking that they appeal to the distributors and exhibitors against release of Kaala . “We had received over 10 representations from various Kannada organisations,” said Umesh Banakar, vice-President KFCC. Jnaneshwar Aithal, proprietor of few screens on Kempe Gowda Road, Bengaluru, that the decision to block the release of Kaala was unanimous.
This is the second time that a movie of Mr. Rajinikanth is facing opposition by Kannada groups. Pro-Kannada organisations had opposed release of his Kuselan in 2008 again because of his comment on Cauvery issue. But the film was released after the actor apologising for his comment. Actor Satyraraj’s comment on Cauvery had created hurdles for the release of Bahubali-The Conclusion in last April. However, the film was released after Mr. Satyaraj tendering apology. However, Kannada organisations have declared that they would not retract from their stand this time even if Mr. Rajinikanth apologises.
Though disappointed over the film not releasing in Karnataka, Rajinikanth fans welcomed the stand of distributors and exhibitors. Speaking to The Hindu , Rajini Murugan of Rajini Seva Samithi, said, “Interest of the state is more important than release of the film. It is a fact that Karnataka does not have water to release.”
