Bengaluru: The Karnataka distributor of the Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Kaala’ has said that he won’t ‘voluntarily’ distribute the film in the state.
This comes in the wake of a number of protests by Kannada groups calling to boycott the film in the state.
Theatre owners in Karnataka, too, have said that they will not screen the film in any theatre.
Release of the Pa Ranjith direction was earlier deferred and was supposed to release on June 7 across states. However, as it is headed for a worldwide release, ‘Kaala’ may not see the light of the day in Karnataka.
The film run into trouble following Rajinikanth’s statements on the ongoing Cauvery water distribution issue.
"We held discussions with the film chamber. The chamber has asked all its members to not release the film in the state. We have voluntarily decided not to release the film considering the sentiments of the people in the state. From what we see, it doesn't look like this issue is going to be resolved before the movie releases," said Saurav Sharma, head of Goldie films that has acquired the distribution rights for ‘Kaala’ in Karnataka.
Sa Ra Govindu, president of Karnataka film chamber of commerce said that the films of both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth will not be released in the state.
"They have made statements related to Cauvery that are unacceptable to the people of Karnataka. We don't need their films. Kannadigas are upset with the actor's statements and so in the interest of the state we are not releasing Kaala," he said.
The Karnataka film chamber called for a meeting on Tuesday after several Kannada groups called for boycott of the film.
Chamber office-bearers say the decision by the distributor who had bought the rights for the film’s release in Karnataka several months ago, has voluntarily chosen not to release the film here as “he doesn’t want to evoke any protests”.
Rajinikanth had reportedly asked the new Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery water as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Kumaraswamy hit back at the actor in no time and said “If there is water in Karnataka it is possible for us to give them water. I request Rajinikanth, please come and see the situation in our dams, what has happened to our farmers. After seeing that, if you (Rajinikanth) still want water, let's discuss.”
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